CHULA — Jesse Jones is taking his golf clubs east to Due West. Jones, Tiftarea Academy’s STAR Student for 2023-24, signed Feb. 28 to play for Erskine College in Due West, South Carolina.

Jones thanked everyone in attendance.

“You have all supported me,” he said, adding he was grateful everyone had his back.

Sonny Skinner, former PGA player who works at Spring Hill Country Club, said he had known Jones since Jones began playing.

Jones has worked hard to get to where he is now, Skinner said. He described watching golf on television, and how the players’ ability appears to be so natural. “Jesse did not start that way,” Skinner said.

Ability, a good attitude and willingness to work and a love of the game can sharpen a players’ skills quickly.

“Jesse has that,” he said. “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve pulled up to the golf course, I see Jesse’s truck already there,” Skinner said. “I’m getting ready to leave the golf course at 10 ’til dark, Jesse’s truck is still there.”

Skinner said he asked God to give him the people he could help at golf. Jones is one of them. “I’m very blessed,” said Skinner

Jones has played on two Tiftarea golf teams that qualified for state. He shot the team’s lowest round in 2022.