Carson Newton, a recent graduate of Seminole State College, clinched a ninth-place finish in the Division II NJCAA Golf National Tournament held in Joplin, Missouri from May 21-24 at the Twin Hills Golf and Country Club. Newton’s performance also earned him the honor of being named to the All-American Team, marking a milestone as the first SSC student-athlete to receive this distinction.

At the national tournament, Newton competed against 130 of the best collegiate golfers. He played four rounds for a total of 72 holes with a seven-over par final score.

“I was so proud of Carson,” SSC Golf Head Coach Ronnie Williamson said. “He was so focused and kept his composure, even if he made a bad shot—which he didn’t have many.”

Newton’s calm demeanor and relaxed approach to golf have been key to his success.

“I’m just a very stress-free person compared to most other golfers,” Newton said. “They let stress take over, and it causes a lot of bad things to happen in their game. I don’t let it get to me, and I recover well.”

Newton knew what to expect at the national tournament. Last year Newton and the rest of the SSC men’s golf team competed in the NCAA Division II National Tournament at Swan Lake

Resort – Black Course in Plymouth, Indiana. The team finished in 15th place out of 22 teams, and Newton tied for 70th in shooting with teammate Brice Wolf.

“It’s definitely different from everything else. It means a lot more. You know you have a chance to bring home a national title or an All-American title.”

Newton is a graduate of Seminole High School, where he also played golf. During his four years at SHS, he secured 12 tournament wins, had back-to-back conference wins in 2021 and 2022 and won the regional tournament in 2022.

He enrolled at SSC in the fall of 2022, where he majored in business. He always tried to balance his academics, athletics and personal life.

“Well, like everybody says, the academics come first,” Newton said. “It puts a lot more stress on you when you don’t focus on your education. Then you’re stressing out, and that causes a lot of issues in your athletic performance too.”

Newton’s journey to success wasn’t without its challenges. In addition to his academic and athletic commitments, he became a father last year. “That put the struggles from golf and schooling into perspective,” Newton said. “My son’s currently teething. Despite all the warnings, nothing prepares you for the lack of sleep that comes with having a baby. It’s exhausting, but it’s also the best.”

Newton always had support from his family, but also his teammates.

“All of the guys that I got to play with, they made it a really great experience,” he said. “We were all really close friends, so that made it a lot better.”

In the short term, Newton plans to keep working to provide for his family, explore further education options and will continue golfing on the side.