By Riley Morrison ’16
THE ROUNDUP
Brophy Golf kicked off the season August 30 at the Brophy Invitational.
“Brophy Golf has strong teams,” said team captain Sam Triplett ’14. “Because lots of players come out, as opposed to other teams who can’t even field enough players for a team.”
For the last seven years, the team has been coached by Mr. Jon Shores. He said he enjoys the game and seems excited for the upcoming season.
“I love being able to work with the kids outside the classroom. I love golf itself,” Mr. Shores said. “I’ve learned a lot about myself, I’ve learned a lot about my players and I’ve learned a lot about life, simply by coaching.”
The team’s chemistry has been good thus far with its mainly senior and freshman team.
“The seniors know the routine,” Mr. Shores said. “They’re just good guys who look out for their teammates… and especially look out for, and be good examples for, the younger guys.
The Brophy Invitational, taking place at the Broncos’ home course Grayhawk, was the players first competition of the year.
“We have a chance to win,” Mr. Shores said. “It’s obviously our tournament, one of our home courses. Its a tough course. But, I think if we play well, it will come down to us, Desert Vista and maybe Hamilton.”
“The Broncos placed fourth in the 10 team Invitational.” Mr. Shores said. “The team played well on the front nine both days, but struggled coming in on the tough back nine.”
The most recent tournament, Hamilton Antigua National Invitational, took place on September sixth and seventh and with Brophy giving a much better showing.
“The Broncos are the 2013 Antigua National Invitational team champions,” Mr. Shores wrote in an email. “The team beat last year’s state runner up Desert Vista by 2 and last year’s state champion Mountain View by 6.”
Key players included “Senior Sam Triplett ’14 who… tied as the individual medalist of the 220 player field, but lost first place on a scorecard playoff. Also Andrew MacMillan ’14 placed 4th in the 220 player field… This was a really big win for the team as we continue to look forward to the state tournament,” Mr. Shores added.
Two years ago, Brophy won the State Championship. Last year they placed third.
“If we play well at the state tournament we can definitely win,” Triplett ’14 said. “Last year we were the best team in the state, but we played poorly in the state tournament.”
When asked what players the student body should be looking out for this season, Mr. Shores said: “Sam Triplett ’14 has been playing really well for us as a senior. Sophomore Michael Feagles ’16 is probably one of the better players in the state as a sophomore, so I expect some good things from him this year.”
The season will come to a close on November 2 when the state tournament takes place.
“I think all of our players have improved individually,” Triplett ’14 said. “I think we get along well together as a team so I think our team should be better.”