Stone Memorial High School preparing the golf team for a return to the state tournament following a runner-up finish from the program’s top individual player last year.
Head Coach Daniel VanWinkle said the performance of returning state runner-up Parker Beck has established a high standard for the entire roster heading into the new season. VanWinkle said he anticipates Beck will return to Sevier County to compete at the state level again this year while leading a competitive group of teammates.
“He’s got a strong head on his shoulders,” VanWinkle said. “So, as far as expectations go, I expect to see him back in Sevier County competing at the State again this year.”
Van Winkle said the team is working to replace the contributions of graduated seniors Mosley and Griggs, who were significant contributors to the program last year. VanWinkle said the current roster features three returning seniors who were part of the rotation last year and a freshman who is already recording low scores.
“Last year we had two surprise surprises as far as seniors go,” VanWinkle said. “Mosley and Griggs were both big surprises, and they played well. And you know, it’s going to be hard to fill those shoes, but we’ve got three seniors returning that all were in, they were all in the rotation last year.”
VanWinkle said the experience of his veteran players allows him to focus his coaching efforts on developing the younger athletes at the bottom of the rotation. VanWinkle said he does not have to spend time teaching etiquette or rules to his top players because they have already established their own routines.
“Super easy,” VanWinkle said. “I mean, you know, I’m not spending time with Parker on the range. I’m not spending time with Charlie on the range because, you know, those kids have their own routine.”
VanWinkle said the competition for the final spots in the lineup will continue throughout the year to ensure the team has the depth necessary for postseason play. VanWinkle said the fifth player’s score is often the deciding factor in close matches during district and region competition.
“Making everything a competition, just so you’re applying that pressure in practice so that maybe when they get to these matches, the pressure will not be as intense since, you know, we’ve already been going through, you know, I’m already putting them through the fire through practice,” VanWinkle said. “So, I expect pressure to be, to not be an issue for these kids.”
VanWinkle said senior Charlie Van Winkle and freshman Max VanWinkle have both shown the ability to post scores in the low 70s during summer matches. VanWinkle said his fourth-ranked player is also trending toward scores in the 70s as he returns to form after a brief hiatus from the game.
“Charlie VanWinkle, he’s a senior this year,” VanWinkle said. “He’s been shooting some scores in the low 70s in some of his summer matches, so I expect him to have some low scores this year. Max, my other son, Max VanWinkle, he’s an incoming freshman, but he doesn’t play like a freshman. He posted a 73 in a match last month, so he can score as well, you know.”
VanWinkle said the players are also performing well outside of golf by maintaining good grades and starting their own businesses.
“They’re really good kids with good heads on their shoulders,” VanWinkle said. “And yeah, I mean, I couldn’t be more pleased with that part of it.”
