USELESS BAY — Of all sports, golf has always clung to the traditions laid down since the modern game was originated in Scotland around the 12th century.
This year, however, change is in the air.
Falcon coach Steve Jones said that Cascade Conference coaches have ditched the old-style dual meets and adopted a tournament format.
“Before now, the dual-meet style was useless in determining which team or individuals would qualify for districts or state,” he said. “It wouldn’t be until the final round at Snohomish Golf Course that we knew how well we were doing. Now, every school will host a league tournament so that teams and players will know how they stack up with the best. On April 26, six schools will converge on Useless Bay for a full 18 rounds and play in the same format they’ll face in May.”
Despite having a young team with no returning seniors, Jones said the Falcons came in second at the first such event Thursday, held at Carnation Golf Course.
“We could only play 11 holes due to darkness, but I think the new system will be a huge improvement,” he noted.
Jones said this year’s varsity team — Shane Thompson, Connor Mock, Jesse Portillo, Harrison Price, Ben Saari and Josh Yingling — is balanced.
“They are working hard and are very supportive of each other. Golf teaches true sportsmanship and a lot of personal responsibility; life skills that will last forever,” he said.
Speaking of traditions, the South Whidbey team has placed in the top 10 over the past several years at the state level. Last year, they ended 10th in state and second in the league behind King’s.
“There’s a lot of pride in the school’s record, and the guys are very aware of the history here,” Jones noted.
Helping out Jones on the links are Leo Langer, Perry Cooley, Kevin Carter and Andy Heintz.
Jones also stresses that it isn’t so much how you get to the green, as what you do upon arrival. On a par-5 hole, it should take three shots to get on the green, two to make the cup.
“A 200-yard drive can be just as effective as one that is 100 yards longer,” Jones explained.
That’s the theory, anyway. And, like most theories, easier said than done, considering the competition.
At Carnation, the Falcons came within 10 strokes of Cedarcrest, Lakewood and Archbishop Murphy.
“King’s is still the team to beat, but we are squarely in the hunt for second,” Jones said.
