The sophomore sensation didn’t really get to show out much this season, but the two matches he performed in, he dominated. Smith Caudell, a Habersham Central sophomore, was low medalists in both events, and was looking to make some history for the Raiders this season. He earns the 2020 BLITZ Golfer of the Year award.

BY THE NUMBERS

• 36 Scoring Average (9 holes)
• 2x Low Medalist in both 2020 matches
• 2019: State 35th

Habersham’s low medalist put up a 36 scoring average through two matches this season, earning the top spot individually both times. After finishing 35th at state last year, he was a top-10 hopeful this season. Next year…maybe even better.

VOTING RESULTS

1. Smith Caudell – 63 pts (8 1st-place votes)
2. Blake Thompson – 46 (5)
3. Henry Sharpton – 42.5 (3)
4. Andrew Crunkleton – 23
5. Slade Guidici – 9.5

Voting for Player of the Year is performed by an internal voting panel consisting of mostly local sports reporters, as well as a small group of former officials, former players, and former coaches. The panel ranks the finalists in order, producing a Heisman-style voting point total.

HISTORY OF GOLFER OF THE YEAR

2020 – Smith Caudell (Habersham Central SO)
2019 – Jeremy Davis (Commerce SR)
2018 – Chase Williams (Towns Co SR)
2017 – Michael Weidner (Tallulah Falls SR)
2016 – Hunter Burt (Dawson Co JR)
2015 – Garrett Rowland (White Co SR)
2014 – Garrett Rowland (White Co JR)
2013 – Eli Crumley (White Co SR)
2012 – Lee McCoy (Habersham Central SR)
2011 – Aaron George (Lumpkin Co SR)
2010 – Aaron George (Lumpkin Co JR)

Smith Caudell makes the first Habersham golfer to win this award since the legendary Lee McCoy back in 2012. He is also the first sophomore to ever win the award.

LOOKING AHEAD – THE NEXT FAVORITE

For sure Caudell is the front-runner, but fellow sophomore finalist Henry Sharpton (Commerce) is right there with him. Should be fun battle between those two guys over the next couple of years.