This season, the Reds golf team has played to win. Starting out the season, the Reds placed 4th in the 6th Annual RCS Boy’s Varsity Chip Challenge at the Highland Meadows Golf Course on August 10. Overall the team had 235 strokes. Connor Lewis (22) placed 2nd, Cole Lockey (23) placed 15th, Peyton Walker (24) placed 17th, and Matt Paris (22) placed 24th.

 While most think of golf as an individual sport, the Reds focus on the team aspect as well. “ My favorite part of the season is the bond I have with the team,” said Cole Lockey (23). Composed of multiple players from the senior, junior, sophomore, and freshman class, the 2021 team has many great athletes that have played well in tournaments around Northern Colorado this fall. At the Greeley City Championship/ Frontier Invite, the Reds had 234 strokes overall, with multiple athletes in the top 20. Just a day after that successful invite, on August 26, the Reds brought home a second-place win at the Estes Park Varsity Invitational with 253 strokes overall. Walker (22) placed 6th, Cache Sanger (23) placed 8th, Paris (22) placed 9th, and Lewis (22) placed 14th. The Reds have traveled around a lot this season, and it always takes some time to get used to the different course. Lewis said, “It feels weird (playing at a different course rather than their own) because at my home course I know how the holes are laid out and the strategy for each of them but at a different course I have to guess and think with my gut.”

Like many other sports, golf takes these student-athletes all over when it’s game time. Starting the season before school was in session was a relief for some athletes. “It was better practicing without school, that way for tournaments we didn’t have to miss class,” said Lockey. Time management with school and sports can always be a challenge but it hasn’t stopped the Reds. 

Goals are always crucial, for athletes especially with hopes of making it to state. This year, golf state championships will be held October 4 and 5. Lewis said, “As a team, I hope we win or come close to winning.” This hope could turn into reality as the golfers are focused on putting in the work when they are out on the course practicing. The Reds golf team will be playing at Regionals on Tuesday, August 21 and are looking forward to continuing their strong season.