WCHS Golf Team Starts 2026 Season with a Win

The Wayne County High School golf team teed off the 2026 season on Tuesday, August 4th, with a win over Decatur County - Riverside High School. The teams played a 9-hole match at the Tennessee River Golf Club just outside Decaturville. The Wildcats took the win by six strokes and were led by junior Lawson Stegall with a 2-over-par 38, also the low score of the day. Other top scorers for WCHS were Madden Haggard and Hudson Floyd, each with a score of 40, and Jacan Floyd with a 44. Total strokes were Wayne County with 162 to Riverside’s 168. Riverside was led by Preston Moore with a 39.

The Wildcat golf team is much younger this year after losing four seniors from last year’s team. The 2026 team is made up of senior Braylen Martin, juniors Hudson Floyd, Jacan Floyd, Madden Haggard, Graeme Polk, and Lawson Stegall, and freshmen Myles Butler and Everett Rosenecker. The Wildcats are coached again this year by Christopher Lynch.

After 2025’s district and region championships, and a successful run to the TSSAA Golf State Tournament, fans certainly have high expectations for the 2026 team. Coach Lynch acknowledged that losing four seniors was tough. Lynch said, “They were leaders on and off the course and helped build a winning culture for Wayne County. But the upperclassmen on this year’s team came up under those guys and understand the standard that’s been set. Two of our juniors played at State last year, so we don’t view this as a rebuilding year.”

Lynch went on to add, “To meet the standard, this team must put the work in - even when nobody is watching.”

Wildcat senior Braylen Martin was asked about the 2026 team’s identity. Martin responded, “We lost four strong seniors that showed us what leadership is. We can use that moving forward. We are stepping up and playing well, and that’s big for this team. No matter who is on the scorecard, we have to stay confident and keep our heads. Hard work and confidence remain the identity of this team.”

When asked about meeting the expectations for this season, Martin went on to say, “We have the potential and a good shot to win the district and region, and return to State. We need to keep the ball in the fairway and avoid 3-putts.” Martin finished by saying, “We just need to avoid the big numbers, put the bad holes behind us, and stay confident with each swing.”

The Wildcats will tee off again on Thursday, August 13, versus Hardin County at Pickwick Landing State Park Golf Course. Play will begin at 3:30 pm.