The Russellville High School golf team has accomplished great success on the course over the past few years, and a key member of that group recently signed a scholarship to continue his playing career.

RHS senior Brayden Bendall signed with Calhoun Community College March 18 in front of family, friends and coaches during a celebration held at the Russellville field house.

The son of Brett and Natalie Bendall said going to Calhoun to play for Coach Richard Morgan looks to be the perfect opportunity to continue his education while improving his already impressive golf skills – while keeping a goal of attending a four-year school in the future in mind.

“I’ve put in a lot of hard work over the years, and the fact that it’s finally paying off just means a lot to me,” Bendall said. “I’m ready to get out there and get ready for the next step.

“Calhoun has a great program, and they have great facilities,” Bendall added. “I think they will be able to develop me as a player for the next two years after Calhoun, and I just can’t wait.”

Morgan at Calhoun has the ninth-ranked golf team in the country, and he said he’s looking forward to adding Bendall to the squad. “Brayden seems like a really great kid with a great personality, and he can play some golf,” Morgan said. “We work hard and practice hard, and I think we’re going to have a really good team next year.”

Before moving on to Calhoun, Bendall still has this season to play at RHS for head coach Patrick Odom. “It’s always a special blessing when one of your players earns the opportunity to play at the next level,” Odom said. “It’s fun to be a part of that, and it’s fun to see it. Here at Russellville, we’ve been blessed to see a lot of that since I’ve been here. Again, it’s just a blessing to see the hard work, determination and the commitment to their craft and their game pay off into options and opportunities.

“We’re very proud of Brayden for the work he’s put in,” Odom added. “I think he’s going to a great program, and we’re excited about it.”