The HHS boys golf team is looking to finish strong as the season comes to a close.  With only a 14 golfer roster, the team has been competing closely with other teams  in numerous tournaments and matches.

“We are really solid as a team this year,” said Luke Nelson, senior captain. “We’ve contended in multiple tournaments.”

Each match is competitive, with numerous teams coming to one course and shooting it out. Unlike other high school sports, golf doesn’t have officials or referees. There are not officials stopping players from writing false scores down onto the score card.

“People can try, but it’s almost impossible to cheat,” said Matthew Wahl, junior. “People pay attention and will catch on if those things occur.”

To score the match, each team takes their top four individual scores. These scores are combined and then compared to the other teams that are participating in the match. Whoever has the lowest score is the winner.

“The team has done really well this year. We won a tournament and shot our best score in five years,” said Robbie Torborg, senior.

High school golf is heavily reliant on individual success. It is crucial that each golfer performs to their maximum level in order for the rest of the team to do well.

“I haven’t had one of my best seasons but I know what I have to do to contribute positively,” Nelson said. “The team is really good at picking guys up when they are down.”

There are many different aspects of golf: chipping, putting, driving, and being smart and strategic. It’s important to know your strengths and then play to them.

“The strongest part of my game is my iron play.  I have more trust in my irons than any other club,” Torborg said.

Limiting weaknesses and expanding strengths is crucial to improving your game. Like all other sports, it’s important to put in work outside of regular practice.

“To be a successful golfer, I need to play and practice every day. When I practice outside of school, I go to the driving range and hit balls, practice chipping and then head over to the putting green,” Torborg said.

Despite the fact that golf can be a game of ups and downs, this year’s team is especially positive and loves being united as a group.  Torborg believes that motivation to keep playing with your head up high comes from his teammates.

“The team atmosphere is really strong with positivity,” Torborg said.  “Everyone is really good friends, and we really enjoy being around each other.”