VALDOSTA — Talk about making a splash on the region golf scene.

Moments after accepting the Region 1-AAAAA championship trophy, Valdosta High coach Jerry Don Baker fulfilled one of his two promises.

He led his team to the lake at Francis Lake Golf Club, emptied his pockets and jumped in.

“I told them if they won I’d jump in the pond and shave my head,” Baker said. “But my wife said I couldn’t shave my head. We’ve got a wedding coming up.”

Valdosta High won the region golf championship Monday by six shots over Colquitt County, 306-312. Both teams qualified for the Class AAAAA state championship May 13 at Jekyll Island.

Lowndes High finished third at 319.

Individual medalist Joe Morton of Ware County, who was the lone golfer to break par Monday, also qualified for the state tournament. He shot a 71.

It’s the first time in recent memory that Valdosta High has won a region golf title, Baker said. The program did win six straight state titles from 1954-1959.

The course and the elements provided a challenge for the golfers.

“The course was playing as long as it could play. All the holes were in the back of the green,” said Baker. “They had some challenging pin placements in some real tough positions.”

Matthew Smith emerged as the Wildcats’ leader with a 1-over 73, including an eagle on the final hole. Dallas Miller (76), Nathaniel Balanis (78) and Bo Parmelee (79) had scores which counted toward the team total.

“(Matt) played some clutch golf at the end,” Baker said. “The way the course was set up, and you add wind to it, 75 or 76 would have been a good score today.

“My goal was to get four scores in the 70s, and we did.”

Lowndes High was led by Patrick Powell, who shot a 74. Patrick O’Neal (79), Lance Fendley (82) and Broc McDowell (84) also posted rounds which were included in the team score.

“My No. 1 and No. 2 had a bad day, but my No. 3 (Powell) had a great day,” said Lowndes High coach Randy Hill. “They played well and we didn’t.”

Coffee High was fourth at 320, followed by Ware (322), Tift County (330), Lee County (339) and Bainbridge (349).

The Region 1-AAAAA girls golf tournament will be played today at Francis Lake. Tee times begin at 10 a.m.