Seniors Jack Martin, left, and Billy Boroughs lead McCallie into the TSSAA Division II-AA state golf tournament
photo by Paul Payne
When Jack Martin strolls to the No.1 tee at Sevierville Golf Club on Thursday morning for the first round of the TSSAA Division II-AA Boys’ Golf Championship, he admits he will likely battle some nervousness.
Experiencing a few jitters prior to any meaningful tournament is certainly reasonable. But the source of the butterflies for the McCallie School senior will be different from his other competitors. One must understand Martin’s journey over the past three years to fully appreciate the significance of his opening tee shot.
For a two-year period, Martin was unable to play golf, missing both his sophomore and junior seasons at McCallie. His forced sabbatical stemmed from an accident in Florida when he was in the 8th grade while driving a golf cart that resulted in hairline fractures to his vertebrae.
What began as a six-month layoff from golf evolved into an extensive odyssey, involving both physical and emotional setbacks that created an estrangement from the game that Martin once loved.
After being medically cleared to resume playing last winter, Martin has slowly reconstructed his golf game and his mental outlook to a level that is better than ever. But along the way, he never got so fixated on the final destination that he failed to embrace the journey.
“After his accident, even though Jack couldn’t play, he was still a vital part of our team,” said McCallie coach Rob Riddle. “That's just who he is. But it's a dream come true for me to have him back for his senior year. It makes coaching a lot easier within him in the lineup.”
It was a difficult adjustment watching his teammates compete while recovering. Martin had shown a knack for golf early in life, and he seemed to have the disposition to excel at a high level. His family moved to Chattanooga from Memphis as he entered the 6th grade and he quickly made an impact at McCallie.
“Jack really loves the game of golf, and he’s always been driven since he started playing as a five-year-old,” said his father, Brad Martin. “I’ll never forget after his first match in middle school, I asked him if he was nervous. He looked me in the eye and said, ‘About what?’ That describes him with golf. He loves the game, and is serious about the game, and is 100-percent self-driven.”
The initial diagnosis following the accident indicated Martin had strained his back. It wasn’t until months later that the fracture was discovered.
“Right after my accident, I didn't think it was going to be bad,” Martin said “I didn't know I broke it. I rested it for six months and then tried to come back. But I hurt it again in a different spot playing my freshman year at McCallie, and that’s when we found out how serious it was.”
A visit to the Mayo Clinic revealed the fractures, and the path to recovery forbade Martin from playing golf for an extended period. Watching his Blue Tornado make it to the state tournament these past two years without winning a championship left Martin struggling with equal parts guilt and sorrow.
“When I started playing golf, I didn't do it to win. I just did it because I loved it,” Martin said. “After missing two years, I felt like I could have helped my team a lot, and I felt bad about that. I felt bad that I told my coaches I was going to be ready last year and I wasn't. So, I really do want to win this year for everybody on the team.”
Despite his injury, Martin’s impact and presence was still felt by his teammates according to Riddle.
“Even though he couldn't play, Jack was always with us,” Riddle said. “He was always wanting to be there when he could. He came to the last two state tournaments we've had. He worked with guys on their short game, or he helped people with putting. He has an unbelievable knowledge of the game, and is just a very selfless person.”
Once Martin resumed swinging a golf club, he had to learn to regain his confidence that his body would hold up to the daily rigors. Doubts began to cloud his thinking.
“The doctors said my X-rays looked good, but I was still having some pain,” Martin said. “It was pretty rough. I didn't know if I was going to be able to play at the same level. I was in a bad mindset and didn’t know if I really wanted to keep trying.”
But Martin gradually learned to trust his body and the counsel of his medical and golf advisors, adding new disciplines of strength training and stretching to his regimen. In his first return to competition, he finished top 15 in a tournament in Florida last April.
Martin has been an anchor to the Blue Tornado success this season along with fellow senior Billy Boroughs. The duo both posted rounds of 66 in last week’s region tournament along with Baylor’s Harry McGuire, with Martin winning the individual title in a playoff.
While Martin and Boroughs are equally talented on the golf course, the teammates have different demeanors that complement each other.
“The reason they get along so well is because they're a little bit opposite,” Riddle said. “Jack is easy-going, and Billy is a little more intense. But don't be fooled by Jack when I say he's easy going. He's going to turn it on when he needs to. When he gets ready to go, he's trying to rip your heart out.”
Being able to go to battle with Martin at his side has been an encouragement to Boroughs that goes beyond the golf course.
“Having Jack back in the lineup obviously helps golf-wise because he's playing really well right now,” Boroughs said. “But he’s always been a good leader in how he sets an example for everybody. Even though he’s been present the last couple of years, we’ve missed having his leadership.”
With an average score of 70.6 and a high round of 74 despite McCallie competing on a menu of challenging golf courses, Martin is relishing the opportunity to experience his final state tournament from inside the ropes again.
“This year has a different vibe for me having missed two years,” Martin said. “There will be some nerves because we really think we should have won a state tournament by now. I'm confident in our guys that we're good enough, but my biggest goal is to be grateful that I have this opportunity again.”
Riddle, in his 10th season leading McCallie’s golf program, has benefited from Martin’s inspiration as well. He’s excited to see the culmination of the arduous path of recovery that has unfolded these past several years.
“The reason Jack's out here fighting his butt off right now is because of the guys he went to sixth grade with when he started at McCallie,” Riddle said. “He's seen us not kick the door down to win a state championship, and he told me, ‘Coach, I want to help you kick the door down. Whether we do it or whether we don't, coach, I'm going to give it my all.’”
Also adding to the Blue Tornado efforts will be fellow seniors Nate Coffman and James Gayle along with sophomore Vidur Rajagopalan.
Riddle is optimistic his squad is peaking at the proper time heading into Thursday’s tournament.
“You always want to put yourself in position to have a chance the last nine holes of a tournament,” Riddle said. “If we can play like we have all year, we're going to have that chance. Our guys know what it takes. They've watched other people celebrate, and It's no fun. I think they're tired of seeing other people celebrate.”
McCallie is one of five area teams competing for a state tournament over the next two days, joining crosstown rival Baylor in pursuit of the DII-AA boys’ title. Also beginning play will be the Baylor girls in the DII-AA girls’ competition, while East Hamilton’s boys and the Ooltewah girls will vie for state championships in Class AA.
Division II-AA Boys
Baylor seeks to improve on its runner-up finish last year, where the Red Raiders lost to Brentwood Academy and its three-time champion Blades Brown. Brown opted to complete his education online so that he can compete in select national events, opening he door for a new champion.
The Red Raiders compiled an impressive score of 289 at the East Region, 11 shots behind McCallie. Senior Harry McGuire led the charge with a 66, with Wyatt Manner (71), Max Johnson (75) and Brooks Englert (77) adding to Baylor’s efforts, along with Praval Bathi.
Having produced four current winners on the PGA Tour, Baylor is seeking its 21st state championship, having won six straight from 2003-08.
Chattanooga Christian sophomore Brycen Blake will also be competing as an individual.
Division II-AA Girls
The Baylor girls’ team is also chasing their 21st state championship, having won an incredible 16 in a row from 1995 thru 2010.
The Lady Raiders finished runner-up to Ensworth last year, eight shots off the lead but return plenty of experience. Senior Justine Emond and junior Carlee Rogers tied for fourth in last year’s state tournament.
Emond (73) and Rogers (75) were also top finishers at the East region. Katie Grace Tuder will provide additional depth after posting a 76 place third at region.
Also competing as individuals will be GPS golfers Kathrine Potts and Harper Wakefield.
Class AA Boys
East Hamilton’s boys’ team is hoping the dynamic senior duo of Tucker Wick and Griffin Law can spark the Hurricanes to their first state golf championship. Law’s winning score of 65 edged past Wick by a single shot at the region tournament, but Wick was able to return the favor by defeating Law last Sunday to capture the Chattanooga TPC tournament.
The Hurricanes placed 5th last year, with Wick earning individual runner-up honors at 5-under 139, two shots off the lead. Law finished tied for 4th at 3-under 141.
Rounding out East Hamilton’s lineup have been Isaac Koh, Leo Vazquez and Gannon Veale.
Other area golfers competing as individuals include Walker Valley’s Alex Robinson and Harrison Yost along with Bradley Central’s Jaxon Chapman.
Class AA Girls
Ooltewah’s girls’ team will be returning to the state tournament for the first time since 1987, their only other visit.
Sophomore Duck Troxell, who was medalist in Ooltewah’s region championship, will be joined by seniors Delaney Ratchford and Bailey Greene.
Troxell made a previous state tournament appearance as an 8th grader at Boyd-Buchanan, while Ratchford is making her fourth trip having qualified as an individual the past three years.
Other local golfers competing as individuals are East Hamilton’s Elizabeth Cordle and Hixson’s Meredith Gailey.
Paul Payne can be emailed at paulpayne6249@gmail.com
Local State Tournament Team Capsules
Baylor Boys (Division II-AA)
Team Appearances (34): 1970, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
Team Runner-up (5): 2023, 2016, 2013, 2002, 1990
Team Champions (20): 2021, 2020, 2018, 2015, 2012, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993, 1989, 1988
Individual Appearances (42): 1970, 1975, 1978, 1979, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
Individual Runner-up (7): 2021, 2016, 2015, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2004
Individual Champions (7): 2020, 2012, 2005, 2003, 2002, 2001, 1995
McCallie (Division II-AA)
Team Appearances (20): 1976, 2001, 2002, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
Team Runner-up (3): 2022, 2020, 2012
Team Champions (3): 2011, 2010, 2002
Individual Appearances (33): 1971, 1975, 1976, 1990, 1991, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
Individual Runner-up (3): 2013, 2012, 2011
Individual Champions (2): 2011, 2010
East Hamilton Boys (Class AA)
Team Appearances (6): 2011, 2012, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
Individual Appearances (9): 2010, 2011, 2012, 2016, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
Individual Runner-up (1): 2023
Baylor Girls (Division II-AA)
Team Appearances (34): 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
Team Runner-up (7): 2023, 2022, 2019, 2015, 2014, 2011, 1990
Team Champions (20): 2021, 2020, 2013, 2012, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996, 1995
Individual Appearances (37): 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
Individual Runner-up (7): 2014, 2011, 2009, 2008, 2006, 2001, 2000
Individual Champions (14): 2021, 2013, 2012, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997
Ooltewah Girls (Class AA)
Team Appearances (2): 1987, 2024
Individual Appearances (16): 1985, 1986, 1987, 1996, 1997, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
Individual Runner-up (1): 2013