Cleveland State Golf’s Wes Spillers had a very memorable weekend on Saturday and Sunday. The NJCAA All-American golfer participated in the Cookeville City Amateur at Tennessee Tech University’s Golden Eagle Golf Club in his hometown of Cookeville, Tn. and took the crown, placing first overall in the event.
However, the win was extra meaningful to Spillers and his family as he competed with a heavy heart.
Spillers’ uncle passed away Wednesday after a long battle with cancer. After he and his uncle spoke over FaceTime last week, Spillers left the conversation with a very special and tangible memory.
“At the end of our conversation, he said he was sending me a coin from 1878 to mark my ball with in my tournaments from now on,” said Spillers. “This weekend was the first time I had the opportunity to use it since his passing. To get the win was a little more emotional than you can imagine.”
The field of competitors had to persevere through tough weather conditions on Sunday, but Spillers came into the final round with confidence. “Coming out of the gate hot on Saturday with seven birdies and a 65 was big time for me. Having a two-shot cushion headed into Sunday really helped ease the nerves. Some guys made it tough coming out of the gate, but after play resumed after a weather delay, I walked back out to the 14th hole and knocked down a 12 footer I had for birdie and knew it was my championship to run with.”
Despite the weather and the difficult circumstances he faced, Spillers took home the trophy and shot a 134 (65, 69) on the weekend. This tournament showcased his continued growth over the summer as his best two-round score at Cleveland State in his decorated freshman season was a 149. “The improvement and development he has had in his game over the last year is mind-blowing,” said Head Coach Miles Moseley. “All of his hard work is paying off.”
The tournament will be one to remember for a long time for Spillers. “This weekend was special in many ways, but being able to come home and do something like this with so many people I grew up with and love surrounding me was extremely special,” he said.