The thud of a metal club. A pock-marked ball soaring in the air. The pearly golf ball sinks to the bottom of a hole, and the crowd claps daintily. Just another day on the links.
     The Dukes have been hammering golf balls down par fives all season, and all the practice is paying off. For the past three years, the golf team has won three, count ‘em, three district tournaments in a row! With Zach Robb and Zach Kounse at the head of the tournament spearhead, they esaily took first place in the district. Both Zachs and Kyle Rowe got first team all-district, and they hope to just as well in the regional tournament.
     Practice is a key part of the golf team’s discipline. Hitting the ball at the Gloucester club is more than just practice, however. The level of performance demonstrates to the coach who is ready to participate in the tournaments. Of course, just because on player does not qualify for one tournament does not mean they will not play again. Say a player was one shot shy of making it into a small time event. He might sit out one competition, but after showing off his skills at the Country Club, the player may be the hero of the District Tournament!
     And as everyone knows, no one would play a sport if they did not have fun. After all the hard work, Elliott Theuerkauf says, “The best part is that play gives you a chance to develop your skills every day. You can practice playing under pressure. It’s just a lot of fun.”
Another fun part of by on the golf team is getting to participate in the tournaments. Not only do the athletes get represent their school in a county-wide competiton of skill and technique, they also get the privilege to miss school for a day, playing what they love. Talk about perks!
     It sounds like playing golf comes with a lot of bonuses. For any of you aspiring golfers out there, Coach Morgan can check out your skills next season. •