For the first time in six years, the White County Warriors Boys Golf Team will head back to the state tournament.
The Warriors will return to the tournament under the guidance of head coach Brandon Sims. Sims said the results show in his young players buying in, learning quickly, and embracing pressure.
“When you start playing, it’s all about how close can I get to the hole on this shot and that may not always necessarily be the best way to score low,” Sims said. “Trying to get the young players to understand how to get around the golf course and how to think to [themselves] around the golf course is challenging, but that’s where they have to be to play at a high level.”
This season, Sims guided a lineup comprised of mostly sophomores. Sims said some arrvied with expereience from before they golfed for the high school, while others were brand new to competitive golf. Regardless of background, Sims made one point clear: matches can come down to the slimmest of margins.
“The quicker you can get them to know and understand that how many matches come down to one stroke,” Sims said. “[That can ultimately decide] who wins and staying mentally focused throughout a round.”
That approach has propelled White County to their second state tournament appearance in program history. Sims took over the program in 2019 alongside co-coach Michael Cunningham. Since then, he has helped the Warriors climb back to the state stage, with his teams putting forth extra effort every practice.
“They’re coming around and putting the time in,” Sims said. “You can’t go by a golf course without seeing two or three of them playing. It’s just learning to practice well.”
The Warriors will compete in hopes of securing their first state title. Their lone prior trip in 2019 ended with the Warriors finishing seventh place out of eight teams. Sims said this year’s group has earned its chance with relentless effort both in and out of practice.
