Photo Credit: Tennessee Golf Association
Sophie Linder closed out her impressive 2020 campaign by being honored as the Tennessee Golf Association’s 2020 Girls’ Junior Golfer of the Year. She was also named to The Tennessean All-Midstate on December 27th and is a finalist for the Tennessean’s Middle Tennessee girls golfer of the year, which will be announced later this year. In addition, she received All-State honors from the Tennessee Sports Writers Association on January 4th.
Linder’s success results from a great work ethic and determination to play in the LPGA one-day. Linder competes year-round in various elite competitions, usually against individuals older than herself, and is regularly found at the top of the event leaderboards.
Linder, a sophomore at Gordonsville High School, won her second consecutive TSSAA state title at the 2020 TSSAA Small Class Girls’ Golf Championship and five Sneds Tour events, including Masters victories at Old Fort, Bear Trace – Harrison Bay, Willowbrook, Vanderbilt Legends, and Montgomery Bell. She also competed in other elite events this year, including finishing third at the TN Junior PGA Girls Championship and TN Golf Association Girls Junior and a top-10 finish at the TN Women’s Amateur.
Other accolades for Linder in 2020 included being named the MVP of the East Team at the TN Junior Cup hosted by Scott Stallings and being low qualifier with her partner at the Inaugural The Scotty tournament. One of her favorite events was the Tennessee Cup at the Golf Club of Tennessee, where she and other junior golfers from across the state raised money for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
Linder stated, “I am honored to win this award because there are so many talented golfers across the state. I appreciate the Tennessee Golf Association and hope to represent them well.”
Linder begins her 2021 campaign at the Annika Invitational at the World Golf Village in St. Augustine, FL on January 15th.
