Choate’s three talented and dedicated golf teams are looking forward to competitive seasons.
Peace and quiet at Choate seems for many like a dream, but for the members of Choate’s girls’ and boys’ varsity golf teams, it is a reality. While many students athletes are at batting practice, hurdling on the track, or sprinting down the lacrosse field, members of the golf teams are perfecting their shots and practicing the game they love. However, off-campus practices and games can make teams into something of a mystery. To combat this, Joseph Coyne ’19 investigated the dedication, raw talent, and camaraderie that constitute Choate’s golf teams.
As soon as Choate’s golfers returned from spring break, Boys’ Varsity Head Coach Mr. Eric Stahura and Girls’ Varsity Head Coach Mr. John Marrinan started prepping the players for the upcoming season. The junior varsity coach, Mr. Stephen Farrell, commented on this year’s players, “There’s an infusion of younger talent. We’ll be better than last year.” The varsity teams are looking strong this year, as well. Some players have only a few years behind them, while others have been playing since they were toddlers.”
When asked about a typical boys’ varsity practice, Coach Stahura said that the team spends a lot of time on the putting green, gaining confidence and precision on their chips and putts. Theycan also be found at the driving range, perfecting their swings. In addition, Coach Stahura mentioned that the warm weather this year has made it easier to practice. In past years, players have had to worry about avoiding snow banks while trying to play in freezing temperatures.
The warmer temperatures have also helped the girls’ team prepare for the season. Coach Marrinan’s team is looking to be very competitive this year, on account of the five returning players. Throughout the week, his team plays four to nine holes daily at the Wallingford Country Club and also spends a substantial amount of time on the putting green. The girls enjoy relaxing and playing together, improving their game all the while.
Both teams also demonstrate great camaraderie. When asked why he loves golf at Choate, Henry Marshall ’16, the captain of the boys’ team, said, “The best part about the Choate golf team is the camaraderie between the players and coaches.” Answering the same question, golfer Lawson Buhl ’17 said that because of the team’s smaller size, all the players on the team get to know their teammates very well. He also said that friendly competition during practices helps to improve everyone’s game.
On the girls’ side, the answers were similar. When asked what her favorite part of Choate golf is, Morgan McDougal ’16 said, “The best parts of our team are the other members and how we’re always able to have fun even on the worst days.” Alice Xu ’18 said, “The best part of the Choate golf team is the support you get from your teammates.” Both teams have a lot of fun during practices and are each very close groups that help each other become the best golfers they can be. The boys’ and girls’ teams will be working to improve their skills and beat the competition, starting with their games against Portsmouth Abbey, Northfield Mount Hermon, and Taft this Saturday.
