The Boiling Springs Bulldogs will be trying to win their fifth straight state championship next week at The Country Club of South Carolina.

It is a case of “round up the usual suspects” as the 16-team and individuals have qualified for the AAAAA state championship on May 14-15th at The Country Club of South Carolina in Florence.

In the Upstate, the defending AAAAA state champions from Boiling Springs qualified for the state championship by winning the Upper State title at Fox Run Country Club in Mauldin.

In the lower state Wando was the top qualifier in the tournament played at Beech Creek Golf Club in Sumter.

The 18 hole tournaments do not award medals or trophies, instead it is held to qualify the top 8-teams to advance to the state finals from the Upper and Lower state.

The Bulldogs shot a 286 total to finish on top of the seven other teams that will advance from the Upstate.

Zack Gordon shot a 5-under par 67 to finish on top of all golfers at the Upper State qualifying tournament.

The other qualifying teams are Rock Hill 293, Gaffney 296, Dorman 303, Fort Mill 307, Nation Ford 310, Wade Hampton 311, Woodmont 313.

In the Lower State Wando nipped Lexington by one shot to win Lower State honors. Wando 315, Lexington 316, James Island 323, Dutch Fork 324, Sumter 325, Blythewood 326, Summerville 330, River Bluff 327.

Gaffney’s Zack Gordon was the top individual finisher at Fox Run. Gordon shot a 5-under par 67 to lead all golfers.

“I hit a lot of good wedges close to the pin and that helped me make six birdies,” said Gordon. “I also had to scramble for a couple of up and downs and they were as important as the birdies,” said the future Clemson golfer.

Ian Faulconor from Mann shot a 4-under par 68 to advance as an individual to the state finals.

Defending AAAAA state champion Trent Phillips and Ian Faulconer from Mann each carded a 4-under par 68 to finish a shot behind Gordon.

“I had a pretty good day, but I’m sorry we couldn’t get the team to qualify for state,” said the future Winthrop golfer. “I played in the state as a freshman and learned some things and I am

anxious to get back there next week,” said Faulconer.

Phillips will be trying for his fourth individual state championship. The future Georgia golfer won the title as an eighth and ninth grader. He won again as a junior last year and would like to add one more title to his record.

“I always want to win, but I really want to help our team win another championship,” he said. “If we can win this year it will be five in a row and that is a pretty strong record to leave behind,” said Phillips.

Trent Phillips shot a 4-under par 68 at the Upper State qualifying tournament. Phillips will be trying to win his fourth state title.

In the lower state two golfers tied for the low score. Palmer Mason from Dutch Fork and Austin Mosher each shot a 73.

The 16 teams and several individual qualifiers will wrap up the high school golf season with the championship at the Country Club of South Carolina next Monday and Tuesday.