Tori Mouton, a senior at The Bolles School, has been named the ITG Next 2022 Northeast Florida Female Golfer of the Year, presented by Wolfson Children’s Hospital, Baptist Health, and the Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute.
“It is a huge honor,” said Mouton. “I have been playing for 10 years. I have put in a lot of hard work, and I am honored to receive this as a title.”
In 2020, Mouton finished second in the Class 1A state girls golf tournament as a junior. She led Bolles to district and regional titles, shooting 5-under-par 139. Most recently, Mouton shot 71 at the District 1-A regional championship last fall, earning medalist honors and leading the Bulldogs to victory. She also shot a 6-over 150 (79-71) at the state tournament.
“The golf season was really fun, and we had our challenges in the beginning of the season, but the girls, we really pulled through at the end of the season,” said Mouton.
Mouton has signed to North Carolina A&T where she will be a new addition to the women’s golf program. The graduating senior plans to go the pre-med route and become an OB/GYN in the future.
“As soon as I stepped on campus, it felt like home away from home,” said Mouton.
Playing in a male-dominated sport, Mouton stays on her game and does not let doubt distract her. She serves as an inspiration for young girls pursuing golf by continuing to improve, staying mentally strong, and growing as both a student and an athlete.
“I definitely get people underestimating me when I step up to the first T-box,” said Mouton. “People think that I shouldn’t be playing from the distance I play from. It is fun to prove them wrong. I definitely get a lot of doubts and looks, but my game speaks for itself.”
Mouton is a true team player and has been like a big sister to her fellow teammates. She will miss her coaches and the team — helping them learn and grow through their family-like bond.
“Stick with it and don’t give up,” said Mouton. “There are starting to be more women playing the game. Do it for yourself. Don’t do it because others tell you to do it. Do it because you love the game. It gets tough at some part of your journey, but trust yourself and trust the process.”
Mouton was also recognized as an outstanding player last year.
