The Brophy College Preparatory golf team secured its second straight state championship on Nov. 6, 2025, making it the team’s first back-to-back title run in more than three decades. This historic win for the program came after a season marked by national competition, high expectations, and new learning experiences in Arizona.
The Broncos entered the Cognizant Classic in Florida confident but tested. From facing strong national talent, including Charlie Woods and several top-ranking golf programs, as well as uncertainty about the tournament week. The team battled through the demanding PGA National golf course and its infamous Bear Trap stretch. Despite leading late, Brophy finished tied for second.
Asher Nelson ’27 said the team felt prepared for the challenge. “We felt pretty good going,” Nelson said. “We had a lot of confidence. We posted a couple of really good rounds and stayed positive the whole way.”
Head Coach Mr. John Shores, who had never won consecutive state titles in his Brophy tenure, emphasized composure throughout the golf season for his golfers. “I tell the guys, Don’t let the moment get too big for you,” Shores said.
Though disappointed by the late-round mistake that cost them a win at the Cognizant Classic, the Broncos left Florida more confident than discouraged.
Hank Miller ’28 said, “We definitely could have won, but getting second in a field like that showed us we could stack up against the best. It was a great confidence booster going into the state.”
With the state championship quickly approaching, the team shifted back into its focused practice routine like they have been doing all season. The week between competitions featured daily work both individually and as a unit, sharpening the team’s short game, ball striking, and mentally preparing them for the next tournament.
“We practiced every day,” Nelson said. “Same routine, but more focus. We knew what was coming.”
Miller described the preparation as both a balance of discipline, individually and team chemistry, in the course. “The week before state, we practiced together a lot…putting pressure on ourselves and getting comfortable with each other,” he said.
Entering their two-day state championship, Brophy carried both pressure and expectation. Last year’s title placed them at the top of Arizona AIA golf and gave them the possibility of going back-to-back for the first time since the early 1990s. “It does put a little bit of pressure because there’s obviously a target on their back,” Shores said.
“There’s definitely pressure,” Miller said, “When we play at our best, we’re the best team. It was about living up to that.”
Despite some early nerves, the team quickly settled in. Nelson caught fire in the first round, going six under through the first day, taking the lead, and followed it with a steady second day that placed him third overall.
He gave credit to his consistency in taking each shot one at a time, something he had been working on all year. “You can’t get ahead of yourself,” he said. “If you think too much about the final result, it won’t end well.”
By the final stretch of Day 2, the Broncos had separated themselves from the field with a commanding 12-stroke victory over Hamilton. Delivering Shores his first back-to-back titles.
“I’m proud of the boys,” Shores said. “They earned every shot of this.”
The celebration was brief. For the seniors, it marked the end of a historic run; for the returners, the beginning of a new goal.
A season that began with the hopes of going back-to-back, ending their regular season with a near miss in Florida, finished with Brophy on top of Arizona golf once again. Through expectation, adversity, and the weight of this prestigious program, the Broncos proved not just that they could win, but that they could win again.
For the first time in 31 years, Brophy golf made history.
