Virgina golf star signs with Buffs

from staff reports

   Grayson Patton, a senior at Grayson County High School in Independence, Va., and one of the top high school golfers in Southern Virginia, has signed a letter of intent to attend Milligan College and play golf for the Buffaloes.
   Patton has been a member of the Mountain Empire All-District team for four years, twice as a medalist. He advanced to regional play all four years, and as a junior qualified for the Virginia State Tournament, in which he finished in a tie for fifth place.
   Also as a junior, he competed in the National High School Tournament in Myrtle Beach, S.C., where he finished in a tie for 25th.
   As a senior, Patton carried a 73 stroke average; however, after advancing through district play, Patton had to take a medical withdrawal from the regional tournament and was unable to compete for a berth in the state tournament.
   Over his career at Grayson County, he was a medalist 20 times. In addition to his high school golf, Patton has been a top 5 finisher in numerous summer junior events throughout the region.
   Milligan coach Tony Wallingford is excited to have Patton join the Buffs.
   "Grayson is an outstanding golfer and a great fit for Milligan College and our golf team," he said. "He is a skilled player who loves the game, an honor student and a quality young man. He is a welcomed addition to a solid core of talented young players already in our program."
   Milligan is coming off of a highly successful spring season where they recently captured the Appalachian Athletic Conference championship played at Crooked Creek Country Club in London, KY.
   Just as impressive as his 1.8 USGA Handicap is Patton's 4.1 GPA. He plans to major in math with teacher certification at Milligan. He is the son of Richard and Tammy Patton of Fries, Va.