State golf champion Chase Grissom of Lexington signed a national letter of intent to play at the University of Tennessee at Martin for coach Jerry Carpenter.

Also signing a national letter of intent to play golf at UT Martin is Grissom’s teammate from Lexington High School, Sam Hinson. “Chase and Sam are quality young men who will fit into our program and make an immediate impact,” Carpenter said.

Grissom won the Class A-AA state championship in 2005. He also led the Vince Gill Tour points leader (70.4 average). He finished second in the Vince Gill Tournament of Champions and won numerous tournaments this past season.

Grissom also won the United States Junior Golf Tournament Tour Championship played at Greystone in Dickson, Tenn.

“Chase posses a solid, smooth golf swing with few flaws,” Carpenter said. “He works on his game all year long. He is a self-taught golfer with a strong passion for the game.”

Carpenter said Grissom is the best recruit he has signed as a head coach.

“Chase has unlimited potential and should develop into an outstanding player for the Skyhawks.”

Hinson is a second-generation Skyhawk golfer. His dad played for head coach Grover Page from 1980-83.

Hinson helped lead Lexington High School to four district championships, two regional tournaments and a state tournament title.

This past year Hinson won the prestigious Belle Meade Country Club tournament. He’s played in three state tournaments and he’s finished among the top 15 in all three events. He also finished among the top five in the 2005 Vince Gill Tournament of Champions.

“Sam has a solid swing and knows how to produce good scores,” Carpenter said.

“The strong part of Sam’s game is his solid play from tee to green. He also has excellent course demeanor.”

Lexington head golf coach Danny Leasure knows Carpenter is getting two solid golfers.

“Chase and Sam are the best players I have ever coached,” Leasure said.