Checking the wind speed and direction, choosing the correct club, stepping up to the tee and swinging, hoping to make it to the green – those are just some of the steps junior Clayton Hudson goes through each time he steps on a golf course. For the past three years he has participated and excelled on the high school golf team.

Hudson has succeed in golf during high school, but at one point in time it was in the air as to whether he would even play. He had to decide between baseball and golf to make sure he could focus his attention and excel in one or the other.

“I really was trying to plan out my future and trying to pick the right one,” Hudson said. “I chose the one that I thought I would be most successful in, and because of the schedule for baseball, I went with golf. It was just a really tough decision for me to make.”

Hudson seems to have made the right decision as he won 1st place this fall at the Centennial Spartan Invitational with a one under par score of 141 over the course of two days.
During the 2010-2011 school year the Golf team took 1st place at All-District, and Hudson was a District 12-5A bronze medalist. Hudson’s win gave him confidence in his golfing.

“I feel like I accomplished something,” Hudson said. “It motivates me to keep going and try to do better, and maybe this year make all-region and even go to state.”

Coach Ronald Newhouse admires Hudson for his hard work and determination as he balances golf with all the other activities he is involved with.

“Clayton is a hard worker who manages his time well,” Newhouse said. “Besides golf he is involved in 4H, a lawn mowing business with his brother, National Honor Society, and still maintains top notch grades.”

Hudson says that he views golf as a major part of his life and dedicates himself completely to the sport.

“Golf is pretty important,” Hudson said. “I’ve been playing for half of my life, and I’ve devoted myself to it. One thing that I enjoy the most about playing is just being outdoors and getting away; it’s kind of a stress reliever.”

Hudson’s coach and teammates say that he stands out because of his respectful attitude.

“Clayton always shows a good example for all of the other golf kids,” teammate Tyler Sheffield said. “His sportsman ship is great and he’s always setting a good example.”

Hudson is unsure about pursing golf in the college, but he plans on continuing to play recreationally.