Photo by Caroline Schlieker

Juniors Caiden Cooper and Carson Hardaway eye their golf balls on the green before putting them on Dec. 3, 2022. [File Photo]

The sun shines on boys golf coach Christopher Word and Luke Stillwagoner, sophomore, as they walk across Southern Oaks Golf Course during practice. After not advancing to regionals last year, the team is focused on a spot in the tournament this season.

“My sport, unlike football and basketball where they’re all in one space, my team could be two miles apart while on the same course,” Coach Word said. “However, I like the time one-on-one time I am able to get to walk with my players.”

The varsity boys golf team played at the Squaw Valley Invitational in Glen Rose, Texas Oct. 27 and 28. Stillwagoner started playing this year at Legacy and scored new personal record of 79 at the tournament 

“We’re all pretty good working together and helping each other with tips,” Stillwagoner said. “I would like to improve on my long irons and driver before the next tournament.”

Unlike the boys’ team, the girls’ golf team has a strong group of senior players.

“We have three really solid seniors, who are good at golf and in the classroom and lead their team well,” Girls’ Coach Scott Parlin said.”

Senior Alyssa Stewart started playing golf 11 years ago, and competed with PGA golfer Justin Leonard in the Pure Insurance Championship tournament and won first place.  Her goal this season is to make it to state and improve her chipping skills. 

“I believe we have a strong chance in making it to state this year,” Stewart said. “We all work very hard and encourage each other every day to be the best we can be.”

Junior Cami Jones started playing golf five years ago, however, she recently came back from a six-month injury. 

“I am already playing much better than I was before, but I have a long road ahead of me,” Jones said. “I would love to continue to get better and help take our team far.”

Both the boys and girls team will play at Tangle Ridge Golf Course on Nov. 10-11 for the Texas Two-Step tournament. 

“Culture in our program is fantastic right now,” Coach Word said. “However, the quality of play needs to increase if we want to make playoffs.”