As the leaves fall and the air grows colder, the boys junior varsity golf team sets out onto the course to begin the match ahead. This year, they aren’t playing solely to win. Instead, their focus is on creating lasting memories and improving their game in a low-stress environment.
Compared to other sports like basketball or soccer, fewer people have grown up playing golf. Rather, most begin playing their freshman year. More often than not, they find their way onto the JV team, where they will experience an atmosphere like no other.
According to head coach Peter Meagher, while the varsity team begins each season with the goal of competing for a state title, the JV squad focuses more on development, especially for beginners.
“Development is key,” Meagher said. “In the game of golf, you are going to have ups and downs… the more you play the game, the more knowledge you build and the better you really do become.”
Unlike other teams that practice five to six times per week, the boys JV golf team plays four times a week, mostly consisting of matches instead of practices. The JV team is also an anomaly as they have three seniors compared to most JV teams, which take none.
Even though matches can take a long time, senior Locke Adkins said he appreciates the lack of strain golf puts on his body, allowing him to enjoy his time with his teammates.
“It’s more of a time commitment than a physical commitment,” Adkins said. “It’s all about just getting out there and getting some free golf.”
Meagher, who wasn’t planning on having captains this season, said he was approached by sophomores Luke Teer and Zachary Kobran, who were eager for the position. Meagher agreed and said the two sophomores have done an excellent job so far leading the team.
“I wanted to have the responsibility of being a captain…they had [captains] last year, and I think it worked well,” Teer said. “We are a lot more organized than last year, and I think it’s been helping out the team.”
Along with the captains, Meagher has played a major role in shaping the atmosphere of the team. According to Adkins, Meagher is one of the best coaches he’s ever had.
“He’s not only the nicest guy ever, he’s also super helpful and knowledgeable about golf because he’s played and he’s so good,” Adkins said. “He’s able to analyze your swing and give you one-on-one help.”
The JV golf team is also an anomaly in the sense that they have three seniors. Meagher said he has noticed the rise in golf’s popularity. He said he once coached teams of under 10 people but this year had to cut over 10 kids to form the team. According to Meagher, this rise is due to several factors, such as golf’s addictive nature and the courses Brookline has to offer.
Along with creating an environment conducive to improvement, the team has also found success in their early season matches. On Wednesday, Sept. 17, the boys put together an outstanding performance, scoring 85 points in an upset victory over Catholic Memorial.
“It’s hard getting them off the golf course,” Meagher said. “When practice is over, technically for them, they never want to stop.”
