IMPORTANT TRYOUT INFORMATION FOR POTENTIAL GOLFERS – 2025 SEASON
Tryouts for the 2025 OHS Golf Team are less than four weeks away.
Please check your eligibility status on your Home Campus account. If it says anything other than “FHSAA Eligible,” click into your profile to find out what’s missing.
You must be listed as “FHSAA Eligible” in order to try out, practice, or play with the team.
Don't wait—take care of it now so you’re ready to go!
What should you be doing right now?
🏌️♂️ You should be playing at least 1 or 2 times per week — aim for 18 holes if possible (WALKING).
🏌️♂️ You should be practicing 3 to 4 times per week — include time on the driving range, short game, and putting.
🏋️♂️ You should be working out 2–3 times per week — focus on strength, flexibility, and mobility.
No excuses. No shortcuts. No “I’ll start next week.”
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Who Can Try Out?
Any male student at Oviedo High School in grades 9 through 12.
When & Where Are Tryouts?
Tryouts for the 2025 season begin on August 4 at Twin Rivers Golf Course. Players must be ready to tee off at 3:00 PM! Florida’s weather is unpredictable. You should be at the course rain or shine!
Tryout Schedule:
📅 8/4 – 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM @ Twin Rivers
📅 8/5 – 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM @ Twin Rivers
📅 8/6 – 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM @ Tee-It-Up
📅 8/7 – 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM @ Twin Rivers
What Do I Need to Bring?
✔ You own golf equipment – Clubs, bag, balls, shoes, tees, gloves, etc.
✔ Be properly dressed – Collared shirt, golf shorts, and golf shoes (a hat is recommended for sun protection).
✔ Have a competitive mindset – Be prepared to play at a high level.
Eligibility Requirements
📌 To begin your Eligibility Process, paste this link:
https://www.oviedo.scps.k12.fl.us/athletics-eligibility
📌All eligibility paperwork must be completed online through the Athletic Office before participating in any team activities, including tryouts.
📌 Check your status frequently until you receive official clearance.
📌 For assistance, contact the Athletic Office.
📌 You MUST be cleared by the first day of tryouts.
Can Beginners Try Out?
Yes, beginners are welcome to try out—but please understand that this is a varsity-level team. If you're just starting out in golf, the chances of making the team are slim. Golf is different from most sports: there’s no “JV team,” and we can’t substitute players during matches.
That said, if you’re new to the game, now is the perfect time to build a strong foundation. Consider joining a Junior PGA program for structured coaching, or take private or group lessons to sharpen your fundamentals. Once you’re confident with the basics, start playing in junior tournaments—like U.S. Kids Golf—to gain valuable experience in a competitive setting.
Stick with it, stay patient, and keep working hard. Improvement in golf takes time—but it’s worth it.
What Score Do I Need to Make the Team?
To have a decent chance of making the team:
⛳ Consistently breaking 90 for 18 holes (or 45 for 9 holes) is typically the benchmark.
⛳ Younger players are encouraged to focus on steady improvement,
building their game week by week to prepare for future opportunities. With
three seniors graduating this year, there will be spots to fill—so now is
the time to put in the work.
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Does It Cost Anything to Play?
There is no cost to be on any Oviedo High School sports team. However, players are responsible for providing their own golf equipment (clubs, shoes, balls, etc.).
Additional Considerations
☀ Prepare for the heat – The golf season takes place during Florida’s hottest months. Practice playing and walking in summer conditions. It's really tough out there.
⛳ Walking is required – Players must carry their own clubs or use pull carts during matches. Get comfortable walking the course without a golf cart.
Contact Information
📧 Questions? Email me Coach John Howell at john_howell@scps.k12.fl.us

"Swing for Dad"
Tyler was just a sophomore when his father was diagnosed with ALS. A former golfer himself, his dad had introduced Tyler to the game when he was five, teaching him how to grip the club and read the greens. As the disease progressed, Tyler watched the strongest man he knew lose the ability to walk, then speak—but never his spirit.
Despite the emotional toll, Tyler kept playing. Every round became a tribute. He’d write “DAD” on his golf ball before every match and tap his heart before each tee shot. The summer before his senior year, his father passed away.
That fall, Tyler played the best golf of his life. He led his team to a district title and qualified for state as an individual. In his final round, he birdied the 18th hole, looked up at the sky, and whispered, “That one was for you.”
Tyler didn’t just play for trophies—he played for something greater. His story reminded everyone that golf, like life, is about heart, resilience, and honoring those who shaped us.
Do you play for the recognition—the trophies, the headlines, the applause? Or do you play for the love—the early mornings, the quiet focus, the joy of the game itself? The answer lives in how you show up when no one’s watching.
"Every swing, every step, every round—I carry you with me. I don’t just play for the score. I play for the one who taught me what it means to love the game."