Golf Outputts Loomis & Tabor
Exeter’s varsity golf co-captain and senior Harry Saunders lines his body up for a putt, the powerful wind stirring the small golf ball. He slowly swings his putter back and watches, satisfied, as the ball dribbles into the hole.
This successful putt allowed Saunders to complete the course with fewer strokes than his opponents from the two other prep schools and helped Exeter capture their second win of the spring season.
“It was a very windy day, and the golf course was pretty difficult,” [Teddy Keller] said. Despite these uncontrollable factors, Exeter dealt with the conditions well to secure a victory.
Last week, Big Red faced Tabor and Loomis Chaffee in a competitive away golf match. Exeter scored a total of 407, Loomis Chaffee scored 453 and Tabor scored 476. Each player was placed in a group of three, with the two other golfers from the other two prep schools. Exeter had the lowest number of strokes and took home the win.
Even though the golfers play individually, the team attitude was positive and energetic. Prep Robbie Herzig believed that “we all stayed very focused on our games, which helped us to get the job done.” This serious mentality allowed Exeter to concentrate on every one of their strokes to put up the best score possible.
Alongside being extremely focused and determined, the golfers were encouraging. “I’m really happy about our team dynamic this year; everyone is super supportive, and there’s a healthy amount of friendly competition!” senior and co-captain, Maria Lee said.
This positivity provides support for the players during stressful parts of the course. “Whenever we saw another group, we would shout words or encouragement,” Lee added. Even though every player was spread out along the course, teammates still made sure to cheer each other on.
In the game of golf, weather contributes greatly to each player’s game. On the course, according to lower Teddy Keller, the climate was not as accommodating as he’d hoped. “It was a very windy day, and the golf course was pretty difficult,” he said. Despite these uncontrollable factors, Exeter dealt with the conditions well to secure a victory.
The players had to adjust their swing to account for the power of the wind on the ball. This combination of a challenging and unfamiliar course, and powerful winds created a difficult environment to compete in, but the golfers persevered to secure the win.
On Monday, Exeter golf takes on the New Hampton School at home. Leading up to this home match, Big Red will focus on their putting game, due to the fact that, in Herzig’s opinion, “most kids on our team seemed to be struggling with putting, so we look to put more practice in on the greens.”
This will help decrease their number of strokes and consequently provide a third win of the season. “Our team is coming together well, and I am enjoying being around everyone,” Keller said, adding that he is optimistic looking into the future. Exeter will also travel to the Andover Invitational on Saturday to face off against Big Blue.