Pickett County’s Golf program got a fresh start this season under new head coach Chris Pryor, a Byrdstown native who turned lifelong connections into momentum on the course.
Pryor began coaching Pickett’s golf teams over the summer. He took over boys and girls golfers that he knew going back to when they were born. When gauging interest heading into the girls, all eight golfers that joined showed their passion for wanting to play for Byrdstown and for Pryor.
“They [were] really excited about it,” Pryor said. “I feel most of them like me. We got together, we had as much fun practicing as we had playing and we all hooked together. They’re all friends, and they’re all a bunch of good golfers too.”
Pryor took the position having never played at Pickett County before. Pryor, who has resided in Byrdstown all his life, never saw a golf team established at Pickett County while going to high school. While Pickett County began their golf teams after Pryor graduated, his love for the game also began to build.
“I’ve always played since I was probably in my early twenties,” Pryor said. “I just enjoy the game.”
Pryor said he hopes to use this new position to see those golfers get offered college scholarships.
“I got some good players and like to get their names out and into the community,” Pryor said. “I got a great little team. They’re all competitive. Got good head on their shoulders and I just enjoy it. It’s fun. We had a lot of fun this year.”
Pryor’s son and daughter began golfing this season. Brody Pryor helped lead the Bobcats to regional tournaments by shooting a season low 80 in his final regular season match. Jase Altenes also helped the cause, sinking his first career hole in one during the event.
