Oxford High School junior Walker Gary competed and won the 7A individual golf state championship at the Tunica National Golf Course in Tunica, Miss. on Oct. 27 and 28. After a season of practices and long rounds, W. Gary ended his year as the top golfer in the state. His performance at the championship showed the steady mindset he built all year.

“I was just proud of the way I handled everything,” W. Gary said. “You only get a handful of tries, and to take advantage of it feels good.”

Walker had a strong start this season. His constituent rounds seemed to pay off in gearing up for the championship.

“I got off to a solid start to build kind of a big lead,” W. Gary said. “From there it was just about staying locked in.”

Aiden Green is a junior on the Oxford High School golf team. This is his second year on the team and he has been able to see the team, and W. Gary, grow.

“Walker’s worth ethic is like no other,” Green said. “Anybody can go out to the course any day and he will be there – morning or
afternoon, rain or shine – giving it his all at practice. Walker’s leadership skills on and off the course do not go unnoticed, giving us all motivation to strive for better. It takes a lot for a high school student to have the work ethic of Walker.”

Throughout the round, W. Gary kept the same calm, focused style he played with all season. His mother, Sarah Beth Gary has also
seen his composure on the course.

“He works countless hours on his game,”S. Gary said. “But it is his dedication and calm presence on the course that make me most proud.”

W. Gary’s many matches helped him stay calm under pressure at state. During big matches he reminds himself that whatever
happens, it is God’s plan.

“I tell myself it’s God’s plan,” W. Gary said. “Whatever happens is for a reason, and I am okay with that. At the end of the day, I want what He wants for me. I know He has a path for my life, so whatever the outcome or results are, I am content with it.”

The biggest differences for W. Gary in his golfing this year were his work ethic and his ability to stay composed. Those are the kinds of traits make all the difference when standing over an important shot.

“It has been amazing to see how he has grown as both a golfer and a person,” S. Gary said. “He has learned to handle adversity, stay composed and push himself.”

Walker winning the state championship gives his teammates hope for the future, making them encouraged for the next seasons to come.

“I think this gives us more motivation as a team that we have a player who can go out and win a state championship on his own, and we as teammates need to work harder to bring a state championship back next year as a team,” Green said.

W. Gary hopes he can leave a lasting impact after his time on the Oxford High School golf team. He hopes to continue achieving for the team and exceeding expectations.

“I want to leave a legacy at the school that kids who come here years later can realize something cool has been done,” W. Gary said.

The final holes of a state tournament can mess with even the best players, but W. gary stayed in his routine. He did not get ahead of himself and stayed focused.

“He did not let the moment get to him,” Green said. “He stayed calm the whole time.”

Walker still has one last season left, and expectations will be higher now. But, he is not scared of the pressure. If anything, he seems more motivated than ever.

“My most important [goal] is to just make sure I keep my guys accountable and try to be a leader they can look up to, which some of the young guys have never had,” W. Gary said. “This is important since we do have such a young team for not just next year, but years to come after I am gone.”