VONORE, Tenn. — Holding off a late challenge by a county rival, Walker Valley claimed its second tournament championship in two days, earning the top trophy at the Golden Eagle Invitational Wednesday.
After galloping away from nine opponents by at least 18 strokes at Lake Tansi Tuesday in the Golf Capital Classic, the Mustangs held off Bradley Central 312-314 at The Links at Kahite course less than 24 hours later.
"It was a good team win.
Not our best outing as a team, but we were able to hang on and get the win," proclaimed Herd wrangler Will Campbell. "Proud of how the guys battled."
"We had to wait on the last groups (the Nos. 4 and 5) to come in to see who won the tournament," related Bradley head coach Chuck Clark, who Bears turned in their best 18-hole performance of the young season.
"Coach (John) Walker from Rhea put on a really good tournament and the (Kahite) course was in excellent shape," he assessed.
Cleveland made it a Bradley County sweep of the top three spots of the a seven-team field, taking third with a 325.
McMinn County edged McMinn Central 346-347 to round out the Top 5, while host Rhea County carded 354 and Loudon rounded out the field with a 370.
For the second straight day, sophomore Baylor transfer Drew Thompson paced Walker Valley, burning up the Kahite layout with a 2-under-par 70 to claim low medalist honors.
The former Ocoee Middle standout shot even-par 36 on the front nine before adding a 34 on the backside.
Freshman Cody Walter continued his impressive prep debut with a 1-over 37 at the turn before shooting 39 afterward for a 4-over 76 on the day.
"Drew Thompson had another great day," praised Coach Campbell. "Back-to-back medalists on back-to-back days is awesome. Super happy for him.
"Also, Cody Walter continues to play well. Proud of our effort today. Great individual win for Drew and team win as well."
Junior Harrison Yost, a 2024 TSSAA State qualifier, had an uncharacteristic 81, while senior Cason Lannom rounded out the Herd tally with an 85.
"Harrison struggled, but really fought to post a score that would help the team," the Mustang mentor related. "Cason was able to finish strong. Kahite is a beautiful course and a tough challenge."
After posting a 326 in its own season-opening Burke Invitational, Bradley earned Wednesday's runner-up finish with a pair of golfers in the Top 5.
Playing in the No. 4 slot for the Bears, sophomore Bentley Catlett, who shot a 5-over 77 in the season opener, turned in his best varsity round with a 2-over 74 to earn fourth low-medalist honors.
He fired a 1-under 35 on the front nine before slipping just a bit with a 39 on the final nine holes.
Senior Andrew Suttles, playing No. 1, finished fifth overall with a 4-over 76, shooting 1-over 37 on the backside.
Playing No. 5, sophomore Braxton Reagan helped out the Bears with an 81, while senior Andrew Walker, playing No. 3 capped the team tally with an 83.
Cleveland junior Dalton Franklin, who has been on a tear lately, tied for second overall with a 1-over 73, but lost a scorecard playoff to Rhea's Eli Everett and had to settle for third low-medalist honors.
"Dalton again played consistent, but his putter let him down a little bit tonight," related Raider head coach Lamar Mills. "He had like five 3-putts, but still ended up shooting 1-over.
"He had two eagles on the front side. I just thought he never got the feel for the greens tonight."
Freshman Tucker Smith continued to draw praise from Coach Mills after firing even par before the turn on his way to a 6-over 78.
"Super proud of freshman Tucker Smith shooting 78," the Cleveland mentor commented. "He’s played consistent the last couple rounds and looks to be a big part of what we do the rest of the season."
Rounding out the Raider total, juniors Brody Williford and Matt Miolen carded 86 and 88, respectively.