Islanders golf looks to step it up

Last fall, only one member of the Islanders boys golf team earned the trip to the Tri-Cities for state in the spring. This fall, the team expects to add another three or four to the state list.

“To be a KingCo champion, a golf team needs to have all six players playing their best and being balanced from top to bottom,” said returning head coach Tyson Peters, back for his fifth season. “We currently have four players who have shown they can play at the top level and are comfortable in competitive situations. We need two of our other four varsity players to step their games up with some hard work and focus to round out the squad.”

The team this fall only had 17 players turn out, which Peters said was disappointing in terms of sheer numbers, but overall they were very happy with the quality of the players who did say they wanted to play. In order to get to the team’s long-term goals, they have been working hard, focusing on the short game and avoiding any disastrous blowouts during matches.

“This is where good players shine,” Peters said of the short game. “Their ability to save par if a bad shot is made. We also have been stressing course management, playing smart and safe so ‘blow up’ holes do not occur.”

The team’s first goal is to regain the KingCo crown, Peters said. Next up they would like to bring home the 3A medalist tournament title, and send five to six players to districts, which would give them a strong state team berth possibility.

“All of these goals I believe can be accomplished, but not currently. All players will need to get their games sharp and consistent for this to happen,” said Peters. “There is no question we have the talent.”

The KingCo league presents many golfing hazards; tough teams and players abound. Peters said they will be on the watch for Woodinville, which is also slated to be one of the team’s biggest matches of the season.

“It’s all about Woodinville,” said Peters. “Bellevue will be a challenge, as usual, and Seattle Prep will be a good showdown of KingCo vs. Metro powers. The key match will be Woodinville, Oct. 5. MIHS and Woodinville should have an undefeated show-down for the KingCo title on this date at Woodinville’s home course, Echo Falls. Woodinville beat us for the title last year by one shot.”

Before the team can get its crack at Woodinville, the Islanders will take on Roosevelt tomorrow at the boys home course, Twin Rivers Golf Course, in Snoqualmie.

Schedule

9/14 at Juanita

9/16 at Woodinville

9/21 vs. Lake Washington

9/28 vs. Bellevue

9/30 at Bothell

10/6 at Ballard

10/7 vs. Inglemoor

10/12 at KingCo Medalist tourney - Snohomish

10/19 at District tourney - Mukilteo