10/02/2026
I’ll be honest, I’m speechless right now. For those of you that know me, know that takes a lot. These boys have never been in this position before. I did my best as a coach to help them to understand that it’s easily obtainable if they just go play golf. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen as well as I’d like today (I’ll keep learning as a coach). The nerves were high and swings were tight. After all, they were trying to make Northern Golf history. Of course, a bunch of teenagers are going to struggle with that thought.
Wyatt started off rocky with one of his worst 9 hole performances of the season. Nothing was falling, approach shots weren’t doing what he thought, chips shots were rolling out…it was a grind. He righted the ship and just focused on making pars. Finally got a birdie after rolling in a 35 footer! Two holes later he had a tap in birdie. He finished the back nine with a solid score to shoot a 2 over 74. We certainly needed our #1 to finish strong, he closed well and I’m extremely proud of him for that (I also think he proved to himself that he belongs).
Quinton and his putter are currently fighting. He wants to do one thing, and the putter says nope. I think there will be a break up in the future. Regardless, Quinton is also a grinder and always knows he can make birdies. He doesn’t quit and never gives up! His first 9 holes were solid. That’s when the putter decided to abandon him badly. He finished strong with a score of 80 and we certainly know what we need to work on for the next 3 weeks. Beyond proud of him and what he’s done for the team this year!
Andrew got in his own way. If you know Andrew, he can flat play this game. Sometimes he doesn’t believe that or he tries to make things happen. When he plays more free and relaxed, he plays better. He scored a 90, far off from what he’s been doing but he’s going to fix that. I pulled him aside and explained that this day, this match, none of it defines him as a person. I’m proud of that kid, regardless of what he scores. He gets worked up because he really wanted to end his career at States. He has grown so much as a golfer from when he has first started that I’m beyond stoked that he gets to make that happen!
Logan, he just had a rough day. He has been playing some fantastic golf and definitely deserved a better day. Unfortunately a bad situation happened. I wasn’t there, but as a coach I had to try and see the big picture. Once again, if you know Logan there aren’t any better kids out there. He positive, looks for the good in things and just a down right awesome kid. My talk with him was upbeat and positive. Sure I could’ve focused on the bad, but that’s not going to solve anything. Instead, I focused on how can this adversity make him a better young man? He understood and was thankful for our talks. He is still stoked for the team and, as stated earlier, positive!
Someone finally found Gage and delivered him to Black Rock today. THIS is the kid I saw early season. I knew I was going to have 5 really solid players. He then vanished for a month. Whoever brought him back, thanks. He came in smiling, happy and literally shot his personal best in competition at the exact time Northern Golf needed it! An 83, is a great score given the course conditions. Now he just needs to stay present for a bit longer as his job isn’t done!
I’m beyond proud of these 5 and the 3 that didn’t make the trip; Bailey, Blake and Chey. It’s been an awesome season and one that I won’t forget. Congrats on making HISTORY!
You’ll see us down at UMD on the 27th!
