After starting the year with mixed expectations, the Sedona Red Rock golf team aims for a double-digit win season.
At 9-2, the young Scorpions have together a solid season, despite being marred with setbacks.
Sedona last competed at the Verde Santa Fe Golf Club, coming in second to Wickenburg High School [187].
The Scorpions shot a 196 at Agave Highlands, defeating Basis Flagstaff [216] and Camp Verde [221].
Coach Mike Webster spoke on the Scorpions keeping up their momentum and finishing strong.
Heading into the last stretch of the season, how is the team looking?
We are looking pretty well at 9-2, although I did not anticipate the team losing to Wickenburg. It was a nice close match but it was also a learning experience when we lost. It is good for them to know what that is about and to strive towards avoiding those same mistakes.
They team is vastly overachieving
in comparison to my preseason expectations. The kids are really coming along, so I am very proud that we are 9-2.
We are going into Antelope Hills in Prescott to play Chino Valley who I think we should beat. Bagdad beat Wickenburg and we just lost to Wickenburg, so you never know. The weather will probably be rainy and very cold, so we will see what that brings.
The team looked great at Verde Santa Fe, especially because we had winds of up to 28 miles per hour. I thought our score would be seven to eight shots higher, but I was pleasantly surprised with the results.
What has been the biggest key to their success?
I would say staying focused has been crucial to our success. Even though there are errant shots along the way, the team has been very resilient and determined to top their last score. Most of the kids have dramatically improved throughout the course of this season. Carter Parlin-Hanzel in particular, shot very well and made his first par of his career last week. He converted a par five on the Verde Santa Fe’s 18th hole which is fairly difficult. He had a birdy put that he almost made, but he has gotten so much better. If the rest of the team could improve as much as Carter has, than we would qualify for state. As you lower your score and improve as a golfer, it is harder to improve that dramatically. I wish it was easier to improve once you consistently
score in the 40s, but it is very difficult for golfers at any age.
How would you describe the Antelope Hills course?
The south course is a little bit easier than the north. We have been there in the past for state competitions and it is not an overly difficult
course. I am expecting our kids to fare well at this course.
Has Gavin Bruce made progress towards qualifying?
Gavin is right there and I think he will qualify if he keeps up his current pace. That would be an awesome achievement for a sophomore.
What has the emphasis in practice been?
We have emphasized our short game and putting because we have struggled in that area recently. Kids would typically prefer driving the ball in practice but the team has wanted to improve in that aspect of the game. The kids know that putting is a weak spot and they are determined to improve it.
What is key to a strong finish?
If we can stay focused and win those matches tomorrow, we should have momentum heading into this weekend. We are playing 18 holes both Friday and Saturday for the first time this season, so that should be pretty interesting. Our match on Tuesday, April 23, Against Northland Prep, Kingman and Chino Hills should be a good match. Northland Prep has beat us this season, so I am looking forward to hopefully finishing the season around 14-3. I am very hopeful for the team, so we will see.
The Scorpions next match is the White Mountain Invitational on Friday,
April 19.
Sedona’s regular season ends on Tuesday,April 30, when Sedona tees off at Elephant Rocks Golf Course.
