ROCKINGHAM — It was a busy afternoon for the Richmond Senior High School golf program on Wednesday.
Senior Jonathan Rich signed his National Letter of Intent to Coker University, while he and teammate Georgia Grace Anderson were also recognized for making the All-Sandhills Athletic Conference team for the 2021 season.
Rich said the signing day made his commitment to the Coker Cobras “officially official,” as he was joined by family, friends, teammates and classmates, as well as Richmond coaches Keith Parsons and Demi Watkins to celebrate the occasion in the school’s media center.
“It was a pretty surreal moment,” Rich said. “It’s a big relief knowing the deal is done and I don’t have to worry about anything. It’s crazy seeing all of the hard work and long days pay off by writing my name on the letter to make it official.
“To have everyone there to celebrate with me meant a lot, and it was very fulfilling,” he added. “Everyone there has always been a big supporter to help me reach my goals and do my best, and it wasn’t just me who got me here. I’m glad everyone got to experience it together.”
Rich verbally committed to Coker in late April, and will join head coach Sam Stark and the Cobras for the fall season. A Division II program, Coker competes in the South Atlantic Conference.
This spring, Rich captained the Raiders to a 4A Midwest regional appearance and led the team with a 39.3 average per nine holes of golf. His best round of the season was 76 (+4) at the Sandhills Athletic Conference championship at Pinehurst No. 1.
“So happy for Jonathan, who told me one of the first times I met him two years ago he wanted to play college golf,” Parsons said. “He has put the time in to become a very good golfer, and I know he’s going to continue to get better. His love of the game will take him there.”
To celebrate the big day, Rich and Richmond teammate Ethan Brown played 36 holes of golf at Foxfire Resort Wednesday afternoon. With graduation on the horizon, Rich said he plans to enjoy his summer and play as much golf as possible.
“I want to keep working hard at my golf game while enjoying my last summer out of high school,” he said. “Of course I want to focus and prepare for the fall season, and I want to do all that I can to get ready to play for Coker.
“I’ve got a few tournaments lined up like the Carolinas (Golf Association’s) boys junior championship and the Dogwood State boys junior championship.”
Anderson, Rich named to All-Sandhills Athletic Conference roster
Left to right: head coach Keith Parsons, Georgia Grace Anderson, Jonathan Rich and assistant coach Demi Watkins. (Contributed photo)
This past spring saw boys and girls golf compete at the same time due to the modified athletic calendar, and as a result, Rich and senior teammate Anderson were also recognized Wednesday for making the All-SAC team.
The top 10 male and female golfers, based on their nine-hole average from the season, were awarded all-conference honors.
“All-Conference is a great honor for both Jonathan and Georgia Grace,” Parsons said. “Our year was different in a lot of ways, and one thing which was familiar was seeing Jonathan leading the way for our boys’ group.
“And Georgia Grace excelled in her first year with our girls’ program,” he added. “She got more comfortable the more she played, and she did a great job of reaching her potential in a short season.”
Anderson, who is signed to play volleyball at William Peace University, got to play golf her senior year because the two seasons didn’t overlap like a regular sports year. In her nine, nine-hole rounds played, Anderson averaged a score of 50.7.
“I came into the season with no expectations except to play golf and to have fun,” Anderson said. “I’ve played golf off and on my whole life, and I was just excited to get a chance to play this spring. I had no idea I’d make all-conference and was really surprised.
“Getting to play golf every day was the best part,” she added. “And meeting new people and making new friends was also great.”
Having missed out by a couple of strokes during his freshman and sophomore seasons, and not playing a full junior campaign, Rich landed on the All-SAC roster for the first time as well.
Averaging 39.3 shots per nine holes played, Rich notched a season-low par 36 on the front nine at Pinehurst No. 1 in the SAC championship.
“It’s gratifying to earn this accomplishment from all the hard work I’ve put in,” Rich closed. “Accepting that award on top of signing to play collegiate golf was the icing on the cake.”
