With an impressive score of 66/70 (8 under par), Braxton Caldwell won the Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival Golf Classic on Saturday at Wasioto Winds Golf Course in Pineville.

“I was kind of born into golf,” said Caldwell. “It’s a family tradition for us. My uncle Donnie is the club pro at Wasioto and my dad Ronnie has been playing his whole life too. I was basically born with a golf club in my hand. It felt good to win this event. This is the first invitational I’ve ever won, so I’m pretty happy about it.”

“I’d like to be on the pro tour one day, and it’s going to take a lot of work but I’m willing to put it in. I love everything about the sport — everything. There’s really nothing better than being out on the course, relaxing and playing the sport that I love.”

Braxton’s father, Ronnie Caldwell, sees a great level of dedication in his son.

“The biggest thing about Braxton is that he plays with confidence,” said Ronnie. “And playing with confidence comes from putting the practice time in. He is very dedicated to being the best that he can be, and we couldn’t be more proud of him and his accomplishments thus far.”