For two days this week, Legends Golf Course became home to some of the best high school golfers in Texas as players, coaches, families, and fans gathered in Kingsland for the 2026 UIL Boys Golf State Championships.
Players battled nerves, shifting momentum, pressure-packed tee shots, and one of the most strategic layouts in Texas golf, all while competing for a state title.
Day One: Setting the Pace
Monday’s opening round quickly separated the field. From the start, players who managed their emotions and stayed patient found scoring opportunities, while others quickly learned how punishing small misses can be at Legends.
By the end of Day 1, several teams positioned themselves firmly in contention, but one team stood out.
Lubbock-Cooper Liberty High School posted an opening-round team score of 286, taking the early lead and putting pressure on the rest of the field heading into Tuesday.
Close behind was Andrews High School, which kept itself in striking distance and looked poised to make a serious run on the final day.
Individually, several players put together impressive rounds, including Jake Kirk, who opened with a 3-under 69, immediately putting himself in the hunt for medalist honors.
Day Two: Pressure Builds
Tuesday brought everything you’d expect from a state championship. Parents followed groups from the fairway to the green. Coaches studied every yardage and every club selection. Teammates tracked scores, knowing every shot mattered.
Early on, it became clear the team title was still wide open.
Andrews made a push, putting together another solid team performance and cutting into Liberty’s lead. But Lubbock-Cooper Liberty stayed steady, managing the course well and avoiding the kind of mistakes that can quickly cost teams multiple strokes at Legends.
When the final scores were posted, Lubbock-Cooper Liberty High School had captured the 2026 UIL 4A Boys State Championship with a two-day team score of 584, finishing five shots ahead of Andrews’ 589.
For Andrews, it marked another incredible run and a second consecutive runner-up finish at state. For Liberty, it was the reward for two days of consistent, championship-level golf.
The Medalist Race Goes to a Playoff
While the team battle was intense, the individual race delivered some of the tournament's biggest drama.
After 36 holes, Jake Kirk and Chase Horn were tied at 139.
Both players had been exceptional all tournament:
- Kirk followed his opening 69 with a 2-under 70
- Horn matched him shot for shot over two rounds
With no separation after regulation play, the state title came down to a playoff.
Players, coaches, and spectators gathered to watch as both competitors continued battling under pressure.
After three playoff holes, it was Horn of Lorena High School who ultimately secured the individual state championship.
It was the kind of finish that reminds everyone why high school golf can be so compelling.
Strong Performances Across the Field
Beyond the champions, there were standout performances all across the leaderboard.
Among the notable finishes:
- Tucker Smith helped lead Andrews to its runner-up finish with one of the strongest individual performances on the team.
- Joe Barnes also delivered key rounds that kept the Mustangs in contention.
- Mark Thornton finished sixth individually at 144.
Every leaderboard spot was earned, and every player who walked off 18 had battled one of the toughest tests in Texas high school golf.
Congratulations to All Competitors
To every player, coach, parent, and school who made the trip to Kingsland—thank you for making this week so special.
Hosting the 2026 UIL Boys Golf State Championship was an honor for everyone at Legends, and seeing these athletes compete with class, resilience, and determination made it even more memorable.
Congratulations to:
- Team Champions: Lubbock-Cooper Liberty High School
- Individual Champion: Chase Horn
And congratulations to every competitor who earned the right to tee it up at State.
We were proud to host you and we hope to see you back at Legends soon.