Standing amidst the rolling hills and green grass, golfers step up to take their swing at the sport they are passionate about. Each time the players tee off, they begin a nine-hole journey to improve their skills and personal bests. Traveling in groups of four, the players spend time talking and socializing with each other as they make their way from hole to hole. Golf can be enjoyed by anyone, and this year’s team is evident of that.
Last year, the golf team consisted of nine players, four of which did not return for the 2024 season. In desperate need for players, the team, led by Head Coach Mr. James Culler and Assistant Coach Mr. Dante DeNome, was able to recruit a total of 13 new members. With a drastic increase in involvement, the team brought their total to 18 players this season. This large influx of players meant that they were able to form a junior varsity team and a varsity team. This separation gave players more opportunities to play and receive the help they needed.
“[The season has] been pretty great. I have made a lot of new friends and have had a pretty good time,” Jonathan Davis (9) said.
Starting in early August, the team started practicing and preparing for their first matches. Both of the coaches aimed to instill the love of golf into the players while teaching them the basics. Many of the players involved this season were first year players. Creating a positive experience for them and the other players helps to ensure lasting involvement in the future.
“My main goal every year is the same. Help teach the kids the fundamentals of golf and make it as fun and enjoyable as I can,” Culler said. “My goal is that all of my players will want to go on and play golf the rest of their lives.”
This season, the team also focused their attention on improving their game 100 yards and in. Hoping their efforts paid off, the team took on the first opponent, Rochester, on Aug. 12. Starting off strong, they were able to pull through with a win of 241 to 251. While that winning streak ended for the next 4 matches, they did not let this get them down. On Aug. 26, they came back with another win of 236 to 282 against Rochester at Rolling Acres Golf Course. The team played two more matches after that before they gained another win against Beaver Falls on Sept. 5. That match ended with a score of 255 to 281. With only a few matches left for both varsity and junior varsity, the team placed their hopes onto their tournaments.
“I am looking forward to playing golf with my friends, winning the section, and going to the MAC tournament and the WPIAL tournament,” Logan Ashbaugh (11) said.
On Sept. 10, the team began their MAC tournament at Fox Run Golf Course. WPIALS soon followed on Sept. 16. Although the team ended with a record of 3-9, the golf team wrapped up their season knowing that they have gained new faces to carry the team on through the years and skills to guide them into the next season.