Continuing a Tradition of Excellence
Brookwood School’s Varsity Golf team has proven its commitment to their tradition of excellence with another Region Championship on Monday, April 14th and a State Championship on Monday, April 28th. For the athletes this has been a season of tremendous growth. Sophomore Austin Baker ‘27 explains, “At the start of the season, it seemed as if the team was all over the place with our scores. However, as the season
has progressed, it seems as if everybody is shooting lower scores and each player is more consistent.” Despite some initial friction, the team has settled into a pattern of success.
Each athlete reflected on how team culture and a shared vision of success brought them together this season. Head Coach Jimmy Gillam notes, “This group has grown up together. They know what makes each other tick, their tendencies, strengths, weaknesses, character flaws, you name it.” However, the team has become something more than just another high school team, it has become a brotherhood that intuitively works together to accentuate each athletes’ strengths and weaknesses. Team Co-Captain JD Culbreth ‘25 continues, “Our team has had this success because of our close bond that creates competitiveness in beating one another and making each of us better. If it was not for this bond and culture, our team has been surrounded with we would not be the team we are today.” It is this bond of brotherhood that encourages them to learn from one another and to trust each other.
“This season has been all about growth,” explains Mason Howell ‘26. It is something that Coach Gillam aimed to address at the beginning of this season. He explains that past success, as important as it often is, can become a distraction and interfere with the task at hand. Team Co-Captain Shep Davis ‘25 made it a point of his leadership to reflect on each tournament to better evaluate what the state competition might look like. This strategic planning took shape through consistently lower scores as the season progressed.
Reflecting on this legacy of success, Coach Gillam says, “These are all amazing young men and all will be successful in their future endeavours. I'm excited to see how each of their futures' unfold. JD and Shep will be greatly missed. Those are some huge shoes to fill.” The Brookwood golf team has established itself a tremendous success with a winning culture that other schools hope to emulate. In closing, Coach Gillam is proud to pass the torch of Team Captain to Mason Howell ‘26 because “he is ready to lead a young team to the top of the mountain.”
Back
has progressed, it seems as if everybody is shooting lower scores and each player is more consistent.” Despite some initial friction, the team has settled into a pattern of success.
Each athlete reflected on how team culture and a shared vision of success brought them together this season. Head Coach Jimmy Gillam notes, “This group has grown up together. They know what makes each other tick, their tendencies, strengths, weaknesses, character flaws, you name it.” However, the team has become something more than just another high school team, it has become a brotherhood that intuitively works together to accentuate each athletes’ strengths and weaknesses. Team Co-Captain JD Culbreth ‘25 continues, “Our team has had this success because of our close bond that creates competitiveness in beating one another and making each of us better. If it was not for this bond and culture, our team has been surrounded with we would not be the team we are today.” It is this bond of brotherhood that encourages them to learn from one another and to trust each other.
“This season has been all about growth,” explains Mason Howell ‘26. It is something that Coach Gillam aimed to address at the beginning of this season. He explains that past success, as important as it often is, can become a distraction and interfere with the task at hand. Team Co-Captain Shep Davis ‘25 made it a point of his leadership to reflect on each tournament to better evaluate what the state competition might look like. This strategic planning took shape through consistently lower scores as the season progressed.
Coach Gillam commented on the overwhelming success of the team, noting, “It's so great to see JD Culbreth ‘25 and Shep Davis ‘25 go out with back to back State Championships with each of them earning All-State along with Austin Baker ‘27 and Mason Howell ‘26.” It is also through the steady performance of Emmet Street ‘27 that allowed the other four to be more aggressive in the back nine.
Reflecting on this legacy of success, Coach Gillam says, “These are all amazing young men and all will be successful in their future endeavours. I'm excited to see how each of their futures' unfold. JD and Shep will be greatly missed. Those are some huge shoes to fill.” The Brookwood golf team has established itself a tremendous success with a winning culture that other schools hope to emulate. In closing, Coach Gillam is proud to pass the torch of Team Captain to Mason Howell ‘26 because “he is ready to lead a young team to the top of the mountain.”
Brookwood School
Located in Thomasville, GA, Brookwood School is a private school for grades JK-12. Students benefit from a challenging academic program, fine and performing arts, competitive athletics, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities.