Josh Williams had a chance to experience a different lifestyle pace as a high school student in Tennessee last year.
Now that he is back in his Ortonville hometown, Williams is ready to help the Brandon High School varsity boys golf team contend for the Flint Metro League championship.
Williams, now a sophomore at BHS, spent the majority of the 2004-05 school year at Cookeville High School in Cookeville, TN, although he did return to Brandon for the last two months of that school year.
He said he moved to Cookeville, which is located between Knoxville and Nashville, because his father, Jeff Williams, had to move there for business.
Williams said the main difference between the two states is the slower pace of life in Tennessee.
‘The people are a lot more laid back in Tennessee,? he said. ‘Everything’s slow and not so rushed. It’s a lot different. It’s easy to know people down there.?
He also said with regard to school, the grading is a little more strict down in Tennessee, but other than that, there’s more the two states have in common than people may think.
‘There’s lots of differences, but lots of similiarities,? he said.
Williams actually spent last fall playing football for Cookeville, and was planning on trying out for the Brandon football program, until he attended the Brandon golf tryouts and shot a 67.
‘That’s when I decided to make golf my sport,? he said.
Williams said he first took up golf when he was five years old, but didn’t get serious until he was 12 years old.
As far as this season is concerned, Williams said he wants to make par for any rounds he plays during his matches.
When he’s not competing for the Blackhawks, Williams said he likes to play golf ‘wherever there’s no snow on the ground? and said he will play ‘anywhere nice.?