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Jones Free’s golf career at Alabama is off to a great start.

The former Morgan Academy All-State performer chipped-in for birdie on the 18th hole to secure a 1up victory and the clinching point in the Crimson Tide’s 3-2 win over Ole Miss in Tuesday’s final round of SEC Match Play hosted by Jerry Pate.

Alabama finished the four matches across three days with a 3-1 record which include three consecutive victories to close tournament action.

Free, who led Morgan Academy to multiple AISA golf state titles and low medalist honors, said he’s enjoyed being on the golf team.

“There’s definitely a lot of pressure,” Free said. “My teammates have my back the whole way and it’s been a lot of fun so far. I’m looking forward to the next tournament.”

Free squared off against Ole Miss’ Evan Brown in a back-and-forth affair that featured both golfers holding as much as a two-hole lead. The Selma native held a 2up advantage through 13 holes before Brown won holes 14 and 15 to draw even, setting up Free’s heroics.

Alabama head golf coach Jay Seawell praised the performance of Free.

“How about that? An 18-year-old Jones Free making a chip-in on No. 18 in his collegiate tournament debut,” Seawell said. “He was doing what freshman do. He would be doing great for a while and then he’d give a hole away. To his credit, he’s not scared.

“His opponent hit a great second shot and Jones needed to hit a great chip and that’s exactly what he did. That’s a credit to Jones and something we practice every day, so I am just really proud of him and the rest of our guys for finishing this event strong.