With winds blowing over the multitude of ranges, members of the HHS boys golf team line up their shots, adjust their stances and select their drivers before sending the ball airborne.
Unlike most sports, golf presents much of its challenges within the terrain, coach Kyle Bonvechio said, as players must constantly adjust to the obstacles each course presents to meet par.
“Each course presents its own challenges that could change based on the day,” Bonvechio said. “We could play on the same course every day and each day will be different based on the conditions of the course, the weather that day, as well as how the players are feeling and executing their game.”
This variation extends beyond just physical constraints, senior Tyler Dillon said. Different courses have their own unique layouts, prompting players to use different approaches to finish in fewer par.
“Courses are very different. A lot of other places have par fives, [while some] only get four. That means there are only four opportunities to get par so you don’t get penalized, but others are five, so they’re longer,” Dillon said. “Once you get to that, you’re able to use clubs you aren’t allowed to use [otherwise].”
For newer players, those constant changes can be especially frustrating, as they are still learning to swing on different grass surfaces, slopes and uneven lines, Bonvechio said. On the other hand, while experienced players also face these difficulties, their familiarity helps them make informed decisions during play.
Instead of relying on repetition, golfers are thus forced to depend on instinct by learning how their swing travels and adjusting their movement accordingly, freshman Caleb Swineford said.
“It makes us better golfers. We have to really know how our swings [work] and how our ball moves without yardages and clubs, so we can pick which club and how we’re going to play it,” Swineford said. “It’s not just the same shot every time. It’s multiple different shots, and it makes us pay more attention.”
To continue improving, the team practices on tougher courses to learn uncomfortable moves, Swineford said.
“It gives us more of a challenge. We can become stronger and not just get used to basic stuff,” Swineford said. “If we play new courses or really competitive schools, we can have the upper hand because we know the conditions we have to play in and really know our game inside out.”
As the season progresses, adapting to new environments becomes less of a challenge, allowing players to focus on and learn from their gametime mistakes, Swineford said.
“Even if I lose or win, either way, I’m trying to improve on myself and improve on my game,” Swineford said. “If I lose, I want that to stick with me. I would rather take [it] as a learning experience.”
