Elbert County Native Shad Tuten Wins in Augusta

A big win down in Augusta for a former Elbert County Comprehensive High School golf team member.

21-year-old Shad Tuten took the victory this past weekend at the Augusta City Amateur tournament, which was held at Forrest Hills Golf Course.

Tuten finished tied for second in last year’s tournament, but was able to piece together a great weekend of golf to snag the victory.

“I was in the lead everyday, which was different and a first for me”, explained Tuten. “It was a different feeling, it was weird being the one up front and having everyone chasing you rather than coming back to win, so it was a good feeling.”

Tuten first started playing after becoming a member at the Elberton Country Club, which led to him later joining the high school golf team.

He later went on to attend college on a golf scholarship, and says his game really took a leap forward after his freshmen year in college.

“When I was a freshman in college to my sophomore year, I dropped about four strokes off of my average, so that was a big change for me”, said Tuten. “Now I am just trying to refine everything and play more consistent.”

Tuten’s resume boasts three collegiate victories, and after his most recent win, one amateur tournament victory.

He will be heading into his senior year at Armstrong Atlantic State University, and has high expectations heading into the upcoming college season.

“I expect to be an All-American this year, and I feel this year is going to be really good, as I expect to be team captain and I have developed pretty good leadership, and I am going to do what I do down there”, said Tuten. “We are going to try and do the best we can and make it to nationals hopefully.”

After finishing school, Tuten says he plans to begin the process of turning professional in the sport of golf.