Porter leads Patriots golf team

POWDERSVILLE — Pro golfer Jordan Spieth once said, “I’ve told myself I have a chance to make history, and that’s my focus.”

That is pretty much how Nate Porter talks about the game of golf, especially as a member of the Powdersville High School golf team.

“I just try to play the best I can,” said Porter. “I’d like to win (state) this year as a team. If we win state this year, hopefully we can get two more (state titles) after that. We’ve got a good future.”

Continued Porter, “It’s just fun. All my friends are on the team. We are doing pretty good this year and hopefully we can keep it up.”

Porter, The Easley Progress Athlete of the Week, has been a constant this season as the No. 1 golfer on the Patriots team. He earned medalist honors at the Anderson Tournament with a 71.

Then last week at the Hurricane Invitational, Porter shot a two-day score of 73-70—143 at the Southern Oaks Golf Course. He birdied Nos. 2 and 15 on Monday, and then he eagled 15 on Tuesday and birdied 16. The one hole that gave him a tough time was hole No. 17 where he bogeyed the hole both days.

Reflecting back on the eagle, Porter said, “I hit a good drive, then hit a 7-iron about 2 or 3 feet from the hole. It was a pretty good tournament and pretty fun.”

Porter said his favorite golf course to play is the Southern Oaks Golf Course, where he shot a 67 in tournament play back in November.

In the classroom, Porter has a 4.79 grade point average.

The steady play of Porter this season has been a big boost to the Patriots golf team.

“He (Porter) is playing great golf,” said PHS coach Tracy Epps. “He’s been around par every time he’s played. He could have even been under par had he made some of his putts. He’s played well this year and it’s great for a sophomore. He works hard and he concentrates. He doesn’t get upset when he hits a bad shots.”

Nate is the son of Lesli and Jason Porter.

Favorites:

Club to use: 7 iron

Local Restaurant: Zaxby’s

Type of Music: Country

Pro Team: New England Patriots