Culbreth wins Jones Cup Junior Invitational
John Daniel Culbreth, Brookwood senior and University of Georgia golf signee, won the Jones Cup Junior Invitational on the Seaside course at Sea Island this past Saturday. Culbreth carded rounds of 66-67-69 to shoot an 8-under-par total. He has etched his name in history by shooting the tournament’s lowest total score.
A present mindset and navigating the course in a conservative approach allowed Culbreth to set himself up for success over the three rounds. He never felt the need to change his initial game plan.
“I was just trying to play smart golf the whole tournament and just take one shot at a time,” Culbreth said.
A present mindset and navigating the course in a conservative approach allowed Culbreth to set himself up for success over the three rounds. He never felt the need to change his initial game plan.
“I was just trying to play smart golf the whole tournament and just take one shot at a time,” Culbreth said.
The tournament conditions are known to be some of the most challenging to play in during the year. Wind, rain, and cold weather are often experienced at some point during play.
“Conditions the first day were pretty good. They kind of started getting rough the second day, the wind was really blowing a lot and it was pretty cold,” Culbreth said. “The last day was just really cold and the wind was still kind of blowing, so it made it pretty difficult all weekend,” Culbreth continued.
He maintained his lead for all three rounds. Culbreth was the only player in the field to turn in three-under-par rounds. The strongest parts of his game this week aided him to score well in the difficult conditions.
“I think I hit my irons really well this week, and I think I putted the ball pretty well,” Culbreth said.
Seeing putts fall and gaining confidence in his iron play allowed the conservative approach to his game this week to be successful. Players in second and third place were just behind Culbreth throughout the final two rounds, but he maintained momentum.
“I knew I was in the lead. I knew what I had to do, but I just tried to stay calm and play my own game,” Culbreth said. His commitment to the mindset he chose walking to the first tee on day one was the same as he approached the eighteenth green on Saturday with a two-stroke lead. He clinched the title with a par on the 54th hole of the event.
Culbreth’s victory allows him to have a spot to compete in the Jones Cup Invitational at Ocean Forest Golf Club January 9-12.
“Conditions the first day were pretty good. They kind of started getting rough the second day, the wind was really blowing a lot and it was pretty cold,” Culbreth said. “The last day was just really cold and the wind was still kind of blowing, so it made it pretty difficult all weekend,” Culbreth continued.
He maintained his lead for all three rounds. Culbreth was the only player in the field to turn in three-under-par rounds. The strongest parts of his game this week aided him to score well in the difficult conditions.
“I think I hit my irons really well this week, and I think I putted the ball pretty well,” Culbreth said.
Seeing putts fall and gaining confidence in his iron play allowed the conservative approach to his game this week to be successful. Players in second and third place were just behind Culbreth throughout the final two rounds, but he maintained momentum.
“I knew I was in the lead. I knew what I had to do, but I just tried to stay calm and play my own game,” Culbreth said. His commitment to the mindset he chose walking to the first tee on day one was the same as he approached the eighteenth green on Saturday with a two-stroke lead. He clinched the title with a par on the 54th hole of the event.
Culbreth’s victory allows him to have a spot to compete in the Jones Cup Invitational at Ocean Forest Golf Club January 9-12.
Brookwood School
Located in Thomasville, GA, Brookwood School is a private school for grades JK-12. Students benefit from a challenging academic program, fine and performing arts, competitive athletics, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities.