Boys golf balloons, welcoming many new students to the team.

The 2024 boys golf season at Barstow has just begun, and the team is adjusting to several new elements. The most notable difference this year is the increased in interest in golf. 

“This year is the biggest team we’ve ever had,” says returning player Jackson Williams ‘25, referencing the approximately 25 boys they have on the team this season.

Head Coach Joe Fox ‘04 points out that “about ten percent of the upper school is playing golf. I love that there’s a lot of interest in the sport this year, and it’s distributed well between the grade levels.”

Practices started last week, and the boys are adjusting to the season schedule to prepare for their first round of tournaments. Since Barstow unfortunately doesn’t have enough room for a golf course, the boys split up and go to Minor Park and Leawood Country Club to practice their game. Because of their large numbers, each group focuses on different things. 

“We sort of have three tiers. In high school varsity golf, teams bring their five best players to tournaments, and the top four scores count,” explains Coach Fox. 

“Then, we have eight to ten people that are just as dedicated and experienced and go to all the practices, but they aren’t as competitive scorers. It’s great for them to get the practice to eventually maybe become one of those top five players. We also have about ten beginners. They come to practices two to three days a week at Minor Park,” he adds.  

The returning players are feeling pretty confident about how well they will be able to do this year, especially with the newfound interest and commitment of said players. 

“I think all of the guys feel very motivated. We have an experienced and unchanged top five team since our sophomore year where we placed second at state. We didn’t bring our best stuff to state last year, but this year we should have a great chance to win state with one last go at it,” explains McNeive.

Coach Fox added, “There are some really talented golfers that are gonna compete for our top five spots this year. They’re some fierce competition that will eventually represent us in districts in May.”

“As a team, everyone feels good about the season. We want to go as far as we can and try to win the state,” agrees Williams. 

Coach Fox is also looking forward to postseason play. “There’s an energy that you feed off as a coach that can’t be duplicated,” he says. “You get one shot. You need to come and be prepared and be ready for that one or two-day tournament that determines how far we go.”

While the team is looking forward to the opportunity to be competitive in state, they’re excited for the journey to get to that position, too.

“I look forward to having one last chance to win a state championship as an individual and as a team. I’m gonna have fun every step of the way, and I’m gonna push all the guys to perform as best as they can,” says McNeive.

The drive the more experienced players feel is also complemented by their new roles as mentors on the team. “We have a lot of beginners, so I’m trying to get them all hooked and make sure they’re having a good time learning. I look forward to seeing them improve throughout the season,” adds Williams. 

By far, the guys’ favorite aspect of playing golf at Barstow is the team atmosphere. Everyone gets along, and their team gels like one big friend group. It’s something Coach Fox really values, and he credits them for the success of the program and his coaching career.  

“We have great players. They’re great character individuals. There’s a reason twenty-five kids want to play golf this year. It’s really the players that get the credit for that because they are creating the dynamic that’s healthy for new players,” says Coach Fox.

McNeive agrees, saying, “My favorite part about Barstow Golf is the guys on the team. We all push each other to be better and we have a lot of fun in the process. Every moment we can we make jokes and laugh with each other but when it’s time to compete we all want to win.”

This becomes uniquely important for golf as there is competition within the team instead of just between Barstow and other schools. Coach Fox explains, “Golf is interesting because as an individual we want to do really well, and it is very competitive inside the team. Someone, unfortunately, will be disappointed when they don’t get that top five spot.”

Coach Fox works hard on reframing with the guys, “I try to help the guys realize that it can go two ways. They can either look at it as ‘I’m actively rooting against my teammate so that I can go play in their place,’ but that creates an unhelpful atmosphere.”

To avoid that kind of unhelpful atmosphere, Coach Fox explains “I want them to compete hard and support each other and know that it is okay to support your teammate even if they beat you out of that spot. I try to set it up so that everyone understands those top spots and why people get them, too.”

Those who have exclusively experience with team sports might find this a bit odd. Coach Fox emphasizes that the team is just as important, even in more individual sports. “While golf is very much an individual sport, the team aspect allows us to play as well as we possibly can. Every shot you hit you know it will impact your individual score but you know it counts for the team. Every shot is for you and your teammates,” he says.

The boys’ season really got started after spring break. “There’s a big tournament the first day we get back, and only the top four guys will go,” explained Williams prior to the competition.

“I enjoy golf because we have a nice beginning and we start driving right into tournaments. For about a month and a half, there’s an energy that feeds off itself,” says Coach Fox.

This includes some overnight trips to Lake of the Ozarks and Big Cedar.

“The Ozarks trip will have a match on Friday afternoon, and the Big Cedar trip will have three rounds, but it’s just for practice,” explains Williams.

There are a few things that Coach Fox wants to make sure the team accomplishes by the end of the season.

“I want them to be successful, which is not always defined by winning,” elaborates Coach Fox. “At the end of the day, I want my seniors to be pleased regardless of the outcome. Whether we win or do terribly, more than anything I want players to feel like they had a decent day and gave it their best, even if the score doesn’t always showcase that.”

The team’s overall competitiveness this year also offers a lot of opportunities. “I can unequivocally say that I would love to win state, and we have the talent to do it. Golf is one of those sports where you’re playing against the course. We can’t influence each other’s game,” says Coach Fox. 

McNeive has some words of appreciation for everything Coach Fox has done for him, saying “…he has made every day so enjoyable.”

Coach Fox took over just after the start of the season two years ago when this year’s seniors were sophomores. 

“He keeps us straight but makes sure we enjoy every second out on the course with the guys. He encourages us to make little strides each day and makes sure we keep our minds focused on what’s ahead in May,” explains McNeive.

We wish the boys luck on a great season!