The Bearden golf team has accomplished much over the past few years, and they added a new achievement in 2025.
Senior Charlie Culbertson finished second overall at the state championship – the highest ever individual finish for the boys in school history.
Coach Billie Davis has worked with Culbertson throughout his years at Bearden and is impressed with the improvement he has shown.
“Charlie has matured tremendously throughout the three years I have coached him,” Coach Davis said.
Looking back on Culbertson’s career with the Bulldogs, Coach Davis is proud not only of his determination to get better as a player, but also his contributions to the team.
“He is not just worried about his game, but he’s also worried about how his teammates play because he realizes that it is a team sport,” Coach Davis said.
Culbertson’s teammate Conner Hall said that as seniors, both of them felt a sense of responsibility in the team in leading underclassmen.
“There’s a bunch of freshmen and sophomores,” Hall said.
Added Culbertson: “We can show them what it takes to get to state and how to actually be a top player.”
Throughout their time on the team, their friendship helped them hold each other accountable both in the game and on the team.
“I play with him like everyday, so we’re always competing to beat each other and our other friends,” Culbertson said.
Culbertson said that his enjoyment of the game takes precedence over the outcome, and this was especially true for his senior year.
“I practiced a lot because I knew it was my last time playing for Bearden, and Connor and I’s last time on a team together,” Culbertson said.
In the future, Culbertson and Hall hope to continue their careers in college with Culberston committed to Roane State and Hall to Johnson University.
“For the future, I hope Charlie continues to improve his game and character, and that he continues to be a good steward of the game,” Coach Davis said.