The KO varsity golf team has been making waves on the green, showcasing their unwavering dedication, exceptional talent, and commendable teamwork.
Head Coach Michael Wolf provided a glimpse into the team’s outstanding performance thus far, including remarkable achievements and areas for improvement. “The strength in our team comes from ball striking, and our high level of competition,” Coach Wolf said. “I feel like we are a competitive team, with kids who have drive and work ethic and a desire to win.”
On Wednesday, May 3, the team traveled to Quinnatisset Country Club to face off against Pomfret School where the players delivered their best scores of the season. Senior Captain Cody Brew set a remarkable personal best of 32 for nine holes. Freshman Austin Perkins also stood out, shooting an impressive 37, while sophomore Alex Braunstein and junior Ty Russo showcased their skills with season-best scores of 39. Sophomore Stryckland Ligon also contributed with an outstanding match score of 41, resulting in the team’s season-low score of 188. The team then went on to play in the Coppola Cup hosted by Avon Old Farms where they finished in second place over Loomis Chaffee and Suffield Academy, two exceptionally strong competitors.
Next, the team competed in the Western New Englands where they competed against 16 teams with some of the best golfers in the region. The team overall finished in ninth place. Perkins, however, finished first place individually. Perkins medaled out of 95 golfers, with a score of -4 under 68. Coach Wolf briefly spoke about how delighted he was to see the success of Perkins at such a young age. “I am super impressed and very proud of Austin,” he said.
Perkins has been an exceptional player for the team this season, leading with a remarkable season scoring average of 36.75 for nine holes and 36.45 for matches. Perkins has also earned the title of medalist in four rounds. Other team standouts are Brew who is right behind Perkins with an impressive season scoring average of 37.52 for nine holes and 38.15 for matches. Brew has also achieved four medalist rounds.
While Coach Wolf emphasized that the team’s strength lies in their exceptional ball striking and competitive spirit, he acknowledged the need for improvement in order to perform better in more competitive tournaments. “Where we struggle is in our ability to chip and putt, which is extremely important to scoring low rounds,” he said. “At times we could be better at course management, which are the decisions we make, in our shot placements and club selections.”
Looking ahead, the team has set some ambitious goals for the remainder of the season. They aim to finish strong in their last two regular-season matches and strive for impressive placements in both the Founders Tournament and the 48th annual KIT Golf Tournament, which they will be hosting at the Gillette Ridge Golf Club. Winning the KIT tournament, known as the Prep School Championships, is a particular target for the team. Good luck to the varsity golf team in the season ahead.
