“Dominating the competition” are the three words senior Will Allard uses to describe the 2024 Davie Men’s Golf team’s season. With the season resulting in many accolades at the conference level, Allard’s statement has proven to be incredibly accurate.
The momentum of their season was seemingly never-ending, as through their run, they won eight matches, only falling short in their final face-off. Their loss at the end hardly seemed to matter, though, as their impressive run through the conference already scored them the trophy as they broke the record for the largest margin to win the conference. Along with that accolade, all five starters would make All-Conference. It is no doubt impressive how dominant the team proved to be this year.
When asked how the team became so dominant, junior Landon Packard stated, “Practice was definitely a part of it, but I also think it was mainly due to our team getting along so well. We knew another guy was there to pick up the other if things weren’t going our way.” Packard would also praise Coach Spillman when he stated, “He added great structure to our practices and kept our minds very focused on how golf doesn’t define us as people.” This sentiment taught by Spillman allowed the team to play more focused yet stress-free. The stress-free attitude allowed the team to work together and mostly have fun. As both Packard and senior Evan Owen both say, their favorite memory of the season was creating great friendships with the team on and off the course.
Evan Owen and his twin brother Beck came into the season transferring from Mount Tabor High School, and thankfully, they transitioned with ease. Evan stated that everyone took him in well and that dinners and moments alongside his team were ones he would never forget. The welcoming environment and team-first mentality clearly played a significant role in the team’s success, as both twins excelled at the high level, with Beck even securing a spot at States.
When questioned about the season’s highlights, Evan stated it was when “Landon [Packard] won a CPC match because I’ve never seen him that hyped before,” further emphasizing the team’s strong connection and willingness to see each other win. Will Allard says his favorite moment was “taking pictures with the trophy on the 18th green after winning conference.” He added that this culminating moment at the end of their season was a moment the entire team holds dearly.
All good things do come to an end, though, as in the playoffs, the team’s season would end. When asked how the team could’ve done better to finish the season, Evan stated, “We needed to be mentally stronger down the stretch. We were a tad mentally unprepared for all 18 holes as a team.” Although their run came to a bitter end, the team is still happy with their overall performance and rightfully boasts of their accomplishments.
The season’s pure dominance is definitely worth appreciating, and with many impressive players returning for next season, it’s safe to say the team’s future is bright.
