Warhorse golfer within driving distance of college destination

Senior Carson Murphy signs with Milligan University

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
January 29, 2026

Surrounded by his parents, Desi and Regina Murphy, and Milligan University head coach Tony Wallingford, Jan. 16, BCS Virtual Academy senior and Owen golfer Carson Murphy signed to continue his career in the sport the Buffaloes. Photo courtesy of John Knight

Throughout his high school athletic career, Carson Murphy has spent much of his time carefully calculating his next move. As the Buncombe County Schools Virtual Academy senior and Owen Warhorse golfer prepares to step into the next stage of sport, the third best NCHSAA 2A player in the state will do so close to home.

Coming off of the best season by an Owen golfer in nearly two decades, Murphy signed, Jan. 16, with men’s golf program at Milligan University.

The Black Mountain native who attended Owen Middle, where he joined the Warcolts as an experienced young golfer, has been a member of the varsity high school program since his arrival as a freshman. As a sophomore, Murphy qualified for the state championship tournament and finished 28th among a field of 94 competitors. Last season, he posted back-to-back scores of 72, as the runner-up for Western Highlands Conference Player of the Year finished third.

Before he begins his final campaign in maroon and white this spring, he dawned the orange and black of the Buffaloes for a signing ceremony in eastern Tennessee. The experience represented both a relief and the realization of a longtime dream, according to Murphy.

“It felt amazing, because a lot of my time in the sport I’ve competed at the high school and middle levels, but I’ve never really been able to compete in leagues that play tournaments, regularly, event though I play in as many as I can,” he said. “The more I learned about all the advantages of playing on a collegiate level, I started to see that a potential opportunity to continue to develop. So, it’s a great feeling to have that in place, and it gives me a lot of confidence heading into this season.”

Milligan University, which competes in the Appalachian Athletic Conference and hosts tournaments in Johnson City, is both familiar and close to home, he added.

“My family knows that area well, so we’ve driven through that campus a few times, and I know there is a really good community out there,” said Murphy, who plans to study sports administration and business after high school.

He credits his former coach, John Knight, who coached the program for nearly 30 seasons before retiring after 2025, for guiding his growth on the course.

“I am super blessed, not only to be able to attend BCS Virtual Academy, but also to be in the Owen district and have Coach Knight as my coach,” Murphy said. “He’s connected me with so many people, and really put me in touch with so many resources out in the Milligan area.”

He will come under the tutelage of another experienced golf coach next fall, under Tony Wallingford, currently in his 34th season at the helm of the Buffaloes program.

“I’m really looking forward to collegiate competition and I’m excited about the potential connection with teammates at that level, which I’ve enjoyed a lot with the Owen program,” Murphy said. “I’m also excited because, in recent years, the more tournament pressure I’ve been exposed to, the better I’ve been able to perform. So, I’m looking forward to improving in that aspect.”

Determining a college destination before his upcoming campaign allows him to remain focused and consistent on the greens.

“This offseason, I’ve honed in on specific parts of my game, especially my short game scoring clubs,” Murphy said. “I had spots last year where I played well, but didn’t score as well I should. So, I’ve been playing in tournaments on my own and keeping a regular practice schedule.”

His most recent milestone in the sport and strong junior year performance are motivating Murphy as he prepares for his final high school season.

“As tournament golf has progressed for me, I’ve improved each season,” he said. “Even though last year was a great season, I feel like I could’ve done more. If I can avoid some of those challenges and play the way I know I can, it will build momentum for an even better year.”