A person could play golf their entire life and never experience a hole-in-one. For Tea Area senior Cooper Leslie, it happened during the final golf event of his high school career.
The ‘A’ boys’ golf tournament began on Monday from Southern Hills Golf Course in Hot Springs where 101 eager golfers sought after a dream. Last fall, Cooper Leslie finished the ‘A’ boys’ tournament tied for the No. 4 spot. His performance earned him a spot on the all-tournament team. Fast-forward to this season, and Leslie once again found himself in the state tournament.
“[Senior year] has been mediocre. I’ve had some good rounds and I’ve had some bad rounds,” stated Leslie. “Overall I’ve had a great career.”
When Cooper stepped onto the No. 3 tee box on Monday, it was just another hole, but moments later, he did something that few have ever done – a hole-in-one at the state tournament.
“I was fresh off a gritty ten, so I was thinking I needed to make something happen. Honestly, I just wanted to make a birdie or a par, but I hit it, and it went in,” said Leslie. “The people I was playing with said, ‘did that just go in?’ Yeah, it one hoped in and I didn’t know what to think.”
It's a big deal whenever someone gets a hole-in-one, but to get one at a state tournament hits a whole different level.
“It would have been cool to get it playing with some buddies but doing it at a state tournament makes it better,” Leslie explained. “It took my mind off of some of the scores I shot too, so it makes for a good story.”
Cooper Leslie finished the state tournament tied for 36th place. He’s not completely sure what his future will hold, but he hopes golf is a part of it.
