Marriotts Ridge senior George Williamson’s self-belief never wavered. He had come close to winning high school tournaments numerous times in his career, including third-place finishes at the state tournament last year as well as counties and districts this season.
The Class 4A/3A state tournament was Williamson’s final high school opportunity to distinguish himself at the top of the leaderboard. He didn’t squander that chance.
“It was pretty motivating,” Williamson said. “It was my senior year, and I hadn’t won any high school events. So, I really wanted to get one and I just had a good feeling about it the whole season.”
However, things didn’t start out the way he’d hoped. He was four shots off the lead after the opening round. Then, he made a comeback charge on the second day. Williamson shot a second round 3-under-par 68 and totaled 141 (-1) for his two rounds, as he edged out Broadneck’s Ben Coe by one shot, winning his first career state title.
Closing his career on top, Williamson is the 2024 Howard County Times boys Golfer of the Year.
“I’m most proud of winning the state title, but winning it in the manner I did,” Williamson said. “After I didn’t win counties or districts and after the first day of states being four shots behind, I kept coming back and believing in myself. I knew I would always have a chance if I was around the top of the leaderboard on the second day. So, I just stayed patient.”
His belief emanated from outside tournament experience and course familiarity. Williamson excelled over the summer leading into his senior year and won several tournaments. He also was comfortable at the University of Maryland course as a multi-time state qualifier who played in the final group last year and briefly held the lead during the final round. That confidence helped Williamson stay calm with the pressure and high magnitude of each shot.
“He knew that his game was there,” Marriotts Ridge coach Mark Dubbs said. “So, every time he went out to play, he set expectations where he’s playing against himself and the course and not worried about who he’s playing against. That’s the confidence that really takes a kid from being a very good golfer to being a state champion.”
Williamson also drastically improved his drives this season. His driving success set him up in advantageous positions throughout both rounds and helped lessen the stress when putting. Ironically, his tee shot on the opening hole fell short, just one of two greens he missed in the final round. Yet, Williamson rallied with a strong chip shot within 7 feet and closed out the hole with a par putt.
That set the tone for the remainder of the round as he finished with three birdies and was the only male player across both classifications to finish the final round under par.
“He was just so consistent,” Dubbs said. “He knew where exactly where that ball was going to end up based on the consistency that came with the driver. Not just the driver, but also his irons and his woods. He was just at that point where he could set himself up for where he wanted to be two or three strokes from when he teed off. There was always a plan. He was very methodical. He did his preparation before and made sure he had seen the courses beforehand. Nothing ever surprised him then.”
While Williamson thrived in the postseason, he was the Mustangs’ leader throughout the regular season. He spearheaded a group that finished the regular season undefeated and as Howard County champions. Williamson finished with an average score of 26.75 points in the four regular-season matches he played, which led the county.
His performance at states was also a driving force in Marriotts Ridge’s third place finish as a team. Concluding one accomplished career, Williamson soon begins another at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia.
“I’m going to miss the team environment with all of my friends on the team,” Williamson said. “Coach Dubbs was a great coach. There’s definitely still a lot to look forward to at St. Joe’s. It’s going to be a new kind of experience, very competitive. I’m definitely looking forward to meeting the new guys and playing some new competition.”
All-County first team
Mark Berg, River Hill, senior: First team All-County for a second straight season, Berg finished with his best season yet. He finished fourth at both counties and states, a career-best finish at the state tournament. The senior led the Hawks with an average score of 24.8 points per match in five regular-season matches.
Justin Choi, River Hill, senior: Choi was another key veteran for the Hawks, finishing fifth at counties and seventh at districts. The senior was also a state qualifier and one of River Hill’s most consistent players, averaging 23.25 points per match in five regular-season matches.
Aidan Kim, Marriotts Ridge, junior: First team All-County for a second straight season, Kim was the Howard County runner up, shooting two-over-par 72. He concluded the season tying for 12th place at states, his second straight season with a Top 12 finish at the state tournament.
Jonathan Moon, Marriotts Ridge, senior: Moon won his first Howard County title, firing a one-over-par 71. He tied for fifth at districts and was also a state qualifier. First Team All-County for a second straight season, he averaged 25.3 points in three regular-season matches for the undefeated Mustangs.
Krish Patel, Howard, senior: Patel began the postseason with a sixth-place finish at the county tournament. He put together a strong performance at districts (73), finishing second, as the top Howard County boys finisher. The senior also was a state qualifier and led the Lions with an average score of 24.29 in seven regular-season matches.
All-County second team
Elliot Austraw, Long Reach, junior
Lucas Chavez, Marriotts Ridge, senior
Keagan Graves, River Hill, senior
Grady Kent, Mt. Hebron, junior
Ronan Menon, Howard, senior
Clark Sharbaugh, Glenelg, senior
Final Season Standings
1. Marriotts Ridge (8-0, Howard County Champion); 2. Reservoir (7-1); 3. River Hill (7-1); 4. Long Reach (6-3); 5. Hammond (5-3); 6. Howard (5-4); 7. Centennial (4-5); 8. Mt. Hebron (4-5); 9. Glenelg (4-4); 10. Atholton (3-6); 11. Guilford Park (2-8); 12. Wilde Lake (1-8); 13. Oakland Mills (0-8).