Golf trends among students, teachers

Once thought of as a sport reserved for adults, golf is surging in popularity among students with growing excitement around the game both casually and competitively.
Golf is often touted as one of the most technically difficult sports to master. Many say it’s actually impossible to master, but for other less competitive golfers, it’s an excuse to get outside, spend time with friends and family, and destress from the frenzy of outside life. This is the case for Senior Pranav Danda.
“It’s a great way to get outside and be with my friends,” Danda said. “And as an athlete, (golf), unlike other sports, I’m not risking getting hurt when I go out to play golf.”
While acutely challenging, golf is not as physically demanding when compared to other sports. This contributes to golf’s immense popularity among adults.
Science Department Chair Fletch Carron runs the annual “Headmaster’s Mug” where faculty members compete in a scramble tournament with the winning team receiving school mugs as victory tokens.
For Carron, golf is not only a social outlet, but a craft he can hone for many years to come.
“(Golf) is a challenge that you can be engaged in for a lifetime,” Carron said. “I feel like with golf, if I ever really turned my attention to it, I could still get a lot better.
As students mature and enter high school, this is a reality that many begin to realize. And in recent years, Junior James Hoak has certainly picked up on the uptake of golf among his peers.
“I think there’s like 45 people trying out for the team this year, which is a record high and a huge increase over the last couple years,” Hoak said. “And just overall, everyone’s talking about golf. Everyone’s playing it on weekends and there’s a lot more spirit around it.”
The surge in popularity around campus has been noticeable, with increased buzz around major tournaments like the Masters and more students taking a stab at recreational or even competitive golf.
“It’s really hard to get into golf tournaments now,” Hoak said. “You have to sign up well in advance and it’s so much harder.”
Despite the challenges, Hoak has been able to excel in several golf tournaments and embrace the growth of the sport. However, what excites him most is not just the competitive aspect of golf, but the unity of being a part of a team.
“For me, it’s probably just being a part of the team,” Hoak said. “I’ve been doing solo tournaments, and sometimes it’s nice just to be playing for something besides yourself. You’re on a team with someone else, not just out there trying to beat everyone. It’s nice to have people behind you, cheering you on.”
Of course, golf still tests a player’s nerves. Hoak knows that success often comes down to focus and mindset.
“When there’s lights on you, you can tense up and get nervous,” Hoak said. “So you’ve got to calm the nerves and just pretend like you’re playing for fun. Because sometimes, when you get too competitive, it loses its fun and its purpose. That’s when you’re going to play your worst golf.”
The balance between joy and pressure is what makes golf unique. It serves both as a distraction from everyday life and as a proving ground where players test their skills. However, for many younger players, the sport has become not only a test of skill, but also a mental exercise in staying grounded.
“Golf is a sport that can last a lifetime, and younger people are starting to realize how fun it can be,” Hoak said. “While other guys who are stronger and bigger than me play football and other sports, it’s nice for me to be able to shine in something else.”
From weekend rounds with friends and family to competitive showcases, golf has transformed the modern identity of sports.
“At the end of the day, golf is about enjoying yourself. You can take it seriously, but you’ve got to remember why you started playing in the first place,” Hoak said. “I play because it’s fun. Hitting shots off the tee while the sun is setting is a feeling that can’t be beat.”
With this worldwide shift comes a new perspective on what it means to play and enjoy sports. Students are not only competing in tournaments but also forming friendships, building teamwork, and finding a balance between focus and fun.