Spring sports are almost here, and for Scorpions golf coach Mike Webster, it is time to hit the links.

“The team started informal practice in December but we do not hit the course until this week,” Webster said. “We were supposed to have our first practice on Tuesday but it was moved to Thursday due to weather.”

On Friday, Feb. 8, the Scorpions will tee off at Seven Canyons Canyon Golf Club for practice.

“We had PGA professional and head golf pro at Seven Canyons Adam Copeland give the team golf lessons over the break,” Webster said. “We are focused on getting them swinging correctly, as we have a really young team with a lot of inexperience with golf in general.”

This season, the Scorpions will hold practice at three separate local courses.

Sedona will practice at Sedona Golf Resort on Mondays and Oakcreek Country Club on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

“We practiced at four different courses last year and we will practice in a similar fashion this season,” Webster said.

On Fridays, the Scorpions will tee off at Seven Canyons.

“Practicing at Seven Canyons had been a monthly occurrence but Copeland has agreed to attend our practices and offer assistance,” Webster said.

Under Copeland’s tutelage, the Scorpions are looking to subtract many strokes from their average.

“I would imagine that we could subtract four to eight strokes with swing improvements,
rule changes and proper course management,” Webster said. “Sixteen to 32 strokes is a major difference depending on the player.”

Sedona returns four players in seniors Cody Kirkham and Ty Jackson and sophomores Gavin Bruce and Robbie Sheehan.

“I am relying on the two of them pretty heavily to set the tone this season,” Webster said. “Ty and Cody are trying to recruit and have been a great help for the younger kids so we have a program moving forward.”

Webster has high expectations for Bruce after the golfer’s freshman year.

“I expect Gavin to be our No. 1 player this season,” Webster said. “Hopefully he will shoot in the high 30s with a couple of 40s this season.”

“This season, I want Robby shooting in the low 40s compared to the 50s last season,” Webster said.

The Scorpions welcome three freshmen this season and hope to get them up to speed before the regular season begins.

“Cameron Stewart has been working hard on his game so I am hopeful he can shoot in the low 40s for us,” Webster said.
Freshmen Dorian Stevens and Carter Parlin-Hanzel round out Sedona’s 2019 roster.

“In the past, our goal has always been to qualify for state but this year I have no idea where we will be,” Webster said. “It seems like a lot of other schools are in similar situationsso we are taking that into consideration before setting our goal.”

Webster said he believes that this season is a rebuilding year for the Scorpions.

“This year we did not put state on the schedule because I highly doubt it is obtainable,” Webster said. “For us, it is about making sure they are managing the course and are swinging with confidence.”

Improving accuracy will be critical this season for the squad.

“I tell them straight is the new long this year,” Webster said. “Once we get the touch down, then we will focus on the power.”

Webster said he believes many young golfers place too much emphasis on swing power rather than technique.

“It seems to be the new mentality for golfers to watch golfers hit the ball over 366 yards and try to imitate that,” Webster said. “First we need to work on your swing to ensure you are hitting the ball straight and with enough accuracy instead of hacking at the ball.”
Last year, The Scorpions placed third place in Division III.