BY KYLEIGH SPRIGLE
At CCHS, the golf team is growing every year. The sport has become more popular over time, with the golf team doubling in size from last year to this season.
The new golf team at Pioneer Middle School has exposed Cooper City students to the sport at a younger age. Five freshmen and one new sophomore joined the team just this year.
“The middle school started playing golf,” golf coach Warren Denise said. “That has really helped us out.”
Even with the new additions, out of all of the players on the team, there is still only one female golfer- Kelly Buker.
“I am the only girl so it’s kind of interesting to be playing with all the boys. It creates like a different atmosphere than playing with girls,” Buker said. “It definitely did double in size and it’s a lot more fun with a bunch of guys, a bunch of more people.”
Each time the golfers play it is a match of nine holes but in districts, regionals and beyond each golfer plays 18 holes. The golf matches are split into boys and girls divisions and the players are all scored separately, so instead of the entire team having a rival, each golfer has an individual opponent.
The team practices together twice a week depending on the weather and there are golf matches at least once a week. The golfers practice on their own time as well as with the team.
On September 5, the golf team played against South Broward High School at Cooper Colony Golf and Country Club. Buker won her match against South Broward’s female golfers.
“I started playing last year as a junior,” Buker said. “This will be my second year on the team.”
Now a senior, Buker is still playing on the golf course.
The more experienced or superior golfers play the front nine holes (1-9) and the less experienced play the back nine holes (10-18). Golf stands out from most sports because of its scoring method. The least amount of points a golfer has the better. Each player has a scorecard to count how many strokes (swings) they have over par. Par is the fixed amount, or zero, in golf.
“I am excited for the new season,” Buker said. “The season started in August and will end in late October unless the Cowboys go to states.”
The golf team is gaining players and possibly more wins. Some students would say the golf team is anything but subpar.
Photo by Kayla Florenco
