IMPORTANT TRYOUT INFORMATION FOR POTENTIAL GOLFERS – 2025 SEASON
Tryouts Aren't The Time To “Get Ready” — THAT TIME IS NOW!
We know that tryouts can be stressful, and we truly appreciate the effort every golfer puts in. It’s never easy knowing that not everyone will make the final roster. Due to time and space limitations at Twin Rivers, we’re typically only able to keep 8 to 10 golfers each season.
While scores are certainly important, they aren’t the only factor in our decisions. Grade level and long-term potential also play a role. For instance, if a freshman and a senior post the same score, we may lean toward keeping the younger player who has more time to grow within the program. We do our best to be fair, but we also have to make decisions that support the future of the team.
The best way to prepare for tryouts is to keep improving all areas of your game. Play full 18-hole rounds—especially in the heat. Walk the course when possible. Build strength and resilience, both physically and mentally. Focus on the small details—because shaving off even a couple of strokes can make a difference.
A few years ago, earning a spot on the team may have been a little easier. But as our program has grown more competitive within our Conference and District, the overall level of play has gone up. Now more than ever, each roster spot is earned through effort, preparation, and potential.
We’re excited to see what you can do—and we’re pulling for each of you to give it your very best.
So… what should you be doing right now?
🏌️♂️ Play 1–2 times per week — aim for 18 holes if possible.
🏌️♂️ Practice 3–4 times per week — include time on the driving range, short game, and putting.
🏋️♂️ Work out 2–3 times per week — focus on strength, flexibility, and mobility.
The more consistent you are now, the more confident and prepared you’ll be when tryouts begin.
No excuses. No shortcuts. No “I’ll start next week.”
------------------------------------
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?
✔ Personal golf equipment – Clubs, bag, balls, shoes, tees, gloves, etc.
✔ Proper golf attire – Collared shirt, golf shorts, and golf shoes (a hat is recommended for sun protection).
✔ 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?
Beginners are welcome to try out, but please remember that this is a varsity-level team. If you're just starting out in golf, the time before tryouts is your opportunity to build a strong foundation. Consider joining a junior PGA program for structured coaching, or take private or group lessons to develop your technique. Once you're confident with the basics, start playing in junior tournaments—such as U.S. Kids Golf—to gain experience in competitive settings. The more prepared you are, the better your chances of making the team.
What Score Do I Need to Make the Team?
That’s a tough question to answer, as things can change from year to year.
Team selection is competitive and based on performance relative to returning players. Our returning players are strong—all consistently shoot 80 or below, with some regularly scoring in the low 70s.
To have a strong chance of making the team:
⛳Consistently breaking 90 for 18 holes (or 45 for 9 holes) is typically the
minimum benchmark.
⛳ Match eligibility varies each season and depends on the depth of the
team, so there’s no fixed score that guarantees a spot in the lineup.
⛳ 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.
.
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."
