This past season our school’s golf team competed in several tournaments, with the goal of claiming a win and improving their own skills. However, many students at Zachary High had no idea we had a school golf team! Despite how often the boys’ and girls’ golf teams compete and practice, their achievements are often overlooked by the student body. Hence the fact that there are only two girls on the girls’ golf team. This article is here to bring light to the wonderful, hardworking team full of fun and love. Golf Coach Kenneth Langlois expressed his opinions about golf as he invited others to come join in on the fun.

For those interested in a new sport, golf is challenging, but it can also be extremely fun. Golf requires decisive thinking, reasoning, and quick decision-making. It can positively impact mental health by reducing stress, improving focus, promoting relaxation, and giving a sense of accomplishment. Langlois encourages others to join with plenty of practice! Even though daily practice is required, golf’s relaxing nature can serve as a break from reality now and then.

“It’s a very difficult and fun sport. You have to play year-round if you want to compete at a high school level. I don’t think you can practice enough. The other players practice five to six days a week,” Langlois said.

Daily practice is definitely recommended. Practices can range from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on what the player is focusing on. Golf is a technique-driven sport, meaning consistency and smart thinking are key to success. A good workout can help a player’s game greatly! Working out can help develop more muscle to put more power into the swing.

“Typically, we practice at Beaver Creek in Zachary, and there’s a putting ring, a chipping ring, [and] a driving ring. We’ll spend 15 to 20 minutes or more at each section of the practice facility,” Langlois

Langlois takes pride in his job as a coach and finds it rewarding to watch his students improve over time.

“[Watching] a player improving from match to match, beginning to end of the year… it’s what we strive for,” Langlois said.

Langlois tends to focus on improving each individual players rather than focusing on the entire team at once. Golf isn’t just a team sport but an individual sport as well. Meaning each teammate must stand firmly on their own with no setbacks or accidents.

“Even though it’s a team sport, the golfers play individually, so it’s a very humbling sport. You have to know you’re playing for yourself,” Langlois said.

The golf team would welcome more members for both girls and boys. With the summer approaching, it’s time to begin learning and practicing. Whether you’re finetuning old skills or starting from scratch, practice is important for those who want to join in. See Coach Langlois (or email him at [email protected]) for information about the team or if you’re interested in joining the team.