Forget about technique. The golf season is time to perform. At least that’s what boys varsity coach, Monty Gallaher, says.
Instead of focusing on perfect form and technique, Gallaher’s team is working hard on golf’s mental game.
Quiet concentration proves tricky even for the pros, and this year’s young team has been hard at work trying to master it.
‘We’ve been working with Jarred Wood, (LOHS’s) psychologist,? said the coach. ‘Our main focus is to play at peak levels, no matter in a match or with friends.?
Golf differs from other sports, like football or basketball who have a ‘pump-up? feel.
‘Everyone has a bad shot once in awhile but you have to recover,? Gallaher said.
To work on their mental game, the coach has the boys practice in pressue situations. They aren’t able to leave practice until they sink a particularly difficult put, for example.
Leading the team is senior and captain Cameron Beeler.
‘He’s our best player,? said Gallaher.
Kyle Wesley, senior, is number two and is improving year after year.
‘I’m looking forward to seeing big things from him,? the coach said.
Juniors Paul Couretas and Eric Wandschneider round out the team’s top four players.
New to varsity are sophomores Corbin Rainey, Jesse Cameron and Alex Haddard, and freshman Tyler Draggo.
Gallaher’s very proud of his team’s success on the course and in the classroom. The team averages As on their report cards and aren’t troublemakers.
‘I’m very lucky. They’re really good kids,? he said.
To the team, school comes first, family second and golf third.
‘We may not win all the time but we want to do what’s right,? said Gallaher.
The boys’ next home game will be Thursday, April 30. They’ll face Stoney Creek at 3:30 at Boulder Pointe.