Snow was still on the ground this week and forced the postponement of the Britton-Hecla golf opener scheduled for Tuesday at the Britton Country Club.
Coach Ryan Nack, who is assisted by Garret Knebel and volunteer assistant Maynard Bosse, had 38 golfers report for preseason practice a week ago Monday. Sixteen of those players are in grades 9-12 (12 boys, four girls) and 27 in junior high (15 boys, seven girls).
Seven letterwinners return from a year ago, headed by four seniors - Ben Folkman, Landyn Frederick, Corinne Bosse, and Sage Ford. Rounding out the group of letterwinners are juniors Jace Rein and Nate Schuller and sophomore Lofton Heer. Ford and Rein were state qualifiers a year ago.
“Our 2026 Spring golf season started on March 30 with a nice spring day out on the driving range,” noted Nack. “Day two, not so spring like, but this is when the plethora of rules and etiquette are discussed in the classroom. We have an amazing number of golfers picking up the clubs this year. The interest these students have in golf is great, and we can’t wait to see how they challenge themselves by improving each time out.”
Other golfers on this year roster include Eli Walgamuth and Maddi Micko, juniors; Ryan Maxwell, Preston Rath, Trey Biel, and Chellon Pruitt, sophomores; and Charles Schuller, Jake Zuehlke, and Bowen Micko, freshmen.
Eight graders include Blayden Downs, Jackson Medhaug, Levi Mills, Corbin Dawson, Cooper Elsen, Jacob Folkman, Brady Heitkamp, Colton Vasquez, Liam Peters, Maverick Strong, Bennett Ahlgren, Kloe McLaen, Alexis Bolzer, and Sophie Patterson.
Seventh grade golfers are Isaac Richter, Luke Zuehlke, Cullen Peters, Benjamin O’Brien, Ella Ingvalson, Olivia Effling, Peyton Johnson, and Jacey Melroe.
The large numbers can present some challenges for coaches.
“We have our work cut out for us with the number of golfers vying for a spot in the golf meets as well as the coaches managing the controlled chaos that may come with large numbers,” said Nack. “Overprepare, than go with the flow.”
Nack appreciate the support from the Britton Country Club.
“We appreciate the support of the golf squad from the Britton Country Club staff and its members while we crowd up the golf course for a few hours after school.
Season Schedule
April
14 – JH golf at Webster; 21 – Webster Invite; 25 – JH at Clark; 30 – at Prairie Winds in Watertown
May
5 – JH hosts Invite; 8 – B-H hosts NEC Class B; 11- Pre-region at Lee Park in Aberdeen; 18 – Region at Lee Park in Aberdeen
June
1-2 - State meet in Brookings
