LRS golf team more than doubles turnout

RITZVILLE -Only four golfers turned out for the Lind-Ritzville/Spague golf team last year. This year, new head coach Bryce Court has seen that number grow to 10.

When the season starts, eight Broncos will be competing in golf for the very first time.

Dirk Dahlman and Molly Hane are the team's only returners. Both golfers advanced past the sub-district round last year and were eliminated at the district tournament. Dahlman was one stroke away from making state.

"Dirk shot a very good front nine [at districts] but faltered a bit on the back nine," Court said. "He's chomping at the bit to make it to state last year."

Court said his goal for both his returning golfers is to make it to state. His expectations are a bit more conservative for the rest of the team.

"I'm expecting them to be beginners. As they get better, hopefully they start having more fun," Court said. "I'm trying to break the game down into three separate components: chipping, putting and hitting. We're taking each one separately."

That doesn't mean he hasn't set any performance goals for the newcomers though. He would like to see them make it to an 18-hole match.

"They have to shoot a qualifying score in nine holes to make it to 18," Court said. "So my goal for each of them is to make that qualifying score."

The season starts with three nine-hole rounds where boys will try to shoot a round under 59 and girls under 65. After that, each match on the schedule will be 18 holes. Golfers will still be allowed to attempt to reach that qualifying score in practice. If they do, they can golf 18.

"So even if they don't hit that mark early in the season, they still have chances in practice," Court said.

Both returners say they enjoy the leadership role they have been asked to take.

Hane is a senior entering her third year on the team.

"It's a lot of fun to have so many new people this year," Hane said. "I'm really excited for them. "I try to give them advice and give them tips. I can help prepare them for what happens at the matches and how golf works."

Dahlman is the only fourth year golfer on the team. He says he's excited to have a bunch of new teammates.

"It's great to have 10 of us this year," Dahlman "It's reassuring that there's still people interested in playing golf because I was beginning to lose faith in the students."

While Dahlman said he wants to help all his new teammates adjust to the game, he is also remaining focused on his own game. He hasn't forgotten what it feels like to miss state by one stroke.

"I just can't get down on myself in playoff tournaments like that," Dahlman said.

"I have to stay focused. If I hit a bad shot, I have like 10 seconds to be mad about it and then I have to move on. My goal this year is to make it to state this time."

One of the new golfers has her own goal this year. Amelia Court, the coach's daughter, just wants to learn the game so she can play with her father.

"My dad played college golf so I decided I would do something he does too," Amelia Court said. "I would like to be able to play nine holes with my dad this summer ... I want to be able to actually do something with him other than going to the gym."

The Broncos tee off at their first match at Tekoa on March 17.