Oviedo Finished 5th
Oviedo finished fifth in the SAC Tournament, just five strokes out of second place, leaving the Lions to reflect on several missed opportunities.
“There’s so much to point to, it’s hard to know where to start,” Coach Howell lamented. “Part of it stems from Homecoming Week and the disruptions to our normal golf schedule. We were missing two of our top five last Thursday in a district match, although we were able to squeak that one out.”
Preparation was another concern for Howell.
“One of our top five was sick, which is beyond his control, but he hadn’t told me he hadn’t been able to get out and play,” Howell said. “I also gave all five a specific 40-minute workout to complete over the weekend. Did everyone get it done? I have my doubts. Going to the range or playing nine holes is worthwhile, but it doesn’t replace the work I asked them to do. That workout had a purpose.”
A difficult start added to the challenge. Oviedo’s four counting golfers played their opening three holes in a combined eight over par.
“We scrambled back, but we finished five strokes out of second,” Howell said. “When the margin is that small, those early holes matter. So does the preparation before we ever get to the course. I’m not going to point fingers, but being part of a team means looking back and asking yourself, ‘What could I have done differently over the weekend to be better prepared for my teammates?’”
Xander Pendry led the Lions with a 71, recording an eagle and four birdies. Pendry hit 11 greens in regulation and finished with 29 putts.
Holt Rue followed with a 73, making three birdies and nine pars. His 28 putts were the fewest on the team, helping Oviedo stay within reach of second place.
Landon Francis contributed an 82, with one birdie and eight pars, while Hayden Fuller completed the counting scores with an 83. Grayson Oldson finished with an 88. The Lions posted a team total of 309.
The scorecards showed opportunities to make up those five strokes. Oviedo’s four counting golfers combined for 132 putts, nine missed putts inside six feet and six penalty strokes. Francis and Fuller hit just seven greens in regulation between them, putting added pressure on their short games.
With districts approaching, the Lions will look to turn those missed opportunities into sharper preparation and a stronger start.
It Is Not Too Early to Think About Next Year’s Golf Team
The work that prepared this year’s team began back in December. After taking a month off following the season, our players started getting ready for the next one. It can be a demanding process, but becoming a competitive golfer requires year-round preparation.
Golf is not a sport you can wait to start practicing until tryouts arrive. You may be a good player, but tryouts last only three days. A long layoff can leave you rusty and seriously hurt your chances of making the team.
Improvement requires consistent practice, tournament experience and preparation throughout the year. I know the idea of playing in tournaments can be scary, but so can standing on the first tee at a match while everyone watches you tee off. Even the best players feel those nerves. The goal is to get used to that feeling and learn to play through it. The more often you put yourself in those situations, the more comfortable and confident you can become.
The good news is that you do not have to practice for hours every day—unless your goal is to become an elite player. Focused practice for about an hour, three days a week, along with playing nine holes every few weeks, can help you develop your game and make a big difference down the road. Make sure that practice includes chipping and putting, not just hitting balls on the range.
Golf is a funny game. You have to love it enough to stick with it through the ups and downs, put in the work during the long, hot days of summer, and be willing to practice when everyone else is playing video games.
If you’re willing to do that, consider becoming part of Oviedo Golf. The future of our program is kids just like you.
If you are serious about playing for the Oviedo Boys Golf Team, now is the time to start preparing. We will graduate four of our top six golfers after this season, creating several openings in next year’s lineup. Returning players and newcomers will have an opportunity to compete for those positions, and incoming freshmen will have a legitimate chance to move directly into the varsity lineup.
That type of opportunity has not existed in our program for the past five years. Take advantage of it by starting now.
Continue checking this website for range workouts, practice ideas and team updates.
Workout Links: October
