As winter sprints towards spring, the grass becomes greener, and the air warmer, the North Atlanta Boys Golf Team grabs their clubs and begin their long-awaited season. With the team’s final roster being announced in late February, the Warriors are now focusing on the long season ahead by practicing their strokes as much as possible and getting ready to show off their talent to other schools scattered around the state of Georgia.
After a disappointing season last year, the Warriors boys golf team is looking to bounce back and succeed immensely in 2024. With the return of players from previous seasons and the addition of new talent, the team is expecting to elevate their play on the course and make a name for themselves as one of the state’s top golf teams. Golf is an individual sport when it comes to playing, but the boys are ready to cheer on one another and build off of brotherhood to make it a successful season. “I’m looking forward to being on the team this year”, said junior Ari Walsey, “Golf has always been a great passion of mine and I’m really looking forward to dominating the course.”
Even though the Warriors are looking to find success this season, they also have to face lots of adversity as the season starts. In early January, the golf team’s beloved head coach, Kerry Sarden passed away, leaving not only the golf team stunned, but also the entire North Atlanta community, as he had such a powerful impact on the sports scene. Since his passing, a new coach, John Mays, has stepped up to fill the role of Coach Sarden. Mays has made it his duty to bring the boys closer together during a season filled with such adversity, in order to become the team that Sarden coached them to be. “It’s an honor to step up and fill the role of Coach Sarden” said Coach Mays, “I’m going to do as much as I can to make these boys and Sarden proud.”
With the official start of the season happening on March 9th at the Terry Tully Invitational at the UGA Golf Course, the boys are eager to get on a roll as mid-season comes around soon. Some upcoming tournaments include the Wolverine Invitational at the Polo Golf CC on March 18th, and the Area Tournament on April 22 at the Mirror Lake Golf Course. Some upcoming matches include playing Midtown on March 20th and April 15th, and Northview on March 19th. Playoffs/Sectionals take place on May 6th and 7th, and then Finals Wrap up the season on May 20th and 21st. “I believe in this team, and I’m really excited to see what we do at our upcoming matches this year.” said junior Dylan Loft.
Since it’s almost spring now, golf is in the air, and the 2024 boys’ team can feel it. With a long season ahead, the Warriors are ready to grab their clubs and hit the course as soon as possible, to make not only themselves but also Coach Sarden proud.
