On April 14th, 2025, at Highlands Golf Course, senior Carson Kildow braved tough conditions to win the LPS Championship by just one stroke. Battling 40 mph winds, Kildow kept his composure and made minimal mistakes throughout the round, showcasing the confidence and skill that has made him one of the top high school golfers in the state. Coming into the tournament, Kildow felt calm and prepared, crediting his familiarity with the course for his mental edge. His consistent performance under pressure not only earned him the individual title, but also further solidified his spot as 6th in NCAA rankings as he continued his strong push toward the state tournament.

While Kildow delivered a standout performance, the rest of the Gators team faced a tougher outing. Illness, nerves, and weather played a role, but the group is determined to bounce back. Senior Jacob Mustards shared, “I didn’t play my best due to not feeling well, but I’m going to move on and focus on my goals. This next invite will go a lot better, I just know it.” The team sees this experience as a valuable lesson and motivation to grow stronger as the season continues.

Despite the challenges, the Gators as a whole are still on track for a potential first-ever team state appearance. With five invites left before districts, set to take place at their home course, Highlands, the team is aiming to lock in their spot at state. Momentum is building, and with strong leadership from Kildow and a focused mindset across the roster, the Gators are poised to make a statement down the stretch. The journey to the final days of the season is far from over, and the Gators are ready to rise.