2022 HS golf preview: Teams back into the swing of things

Coach: Pat Pelletier (first year).

League: NHIAA Division I.

Home course: Lake Morey Country Club, Fore-U Golf Center.

Returnees: Senior — Dylan Jopp. Juniors — Adam Goodney, Andrew Cahoon.

Newcomers: Seniors — Cam Forbush, Jackson Watts. Juniors — Jake Toulmin, Trevor Lichtenstein. Freshmen — Joseph DeSimone, Andrew Cramer.

Analysis: The Bears are led by first-year coach Pat Pelletier and will host a match at Lake Morey while also having frequent range sessions at Fore-U in West Lebanon. Only three returning players leaves plenty of room for the Bears to gain varsity experience while building towards the bigger events later in the season.

“Our strength is our attitude. I can already tell everyone truly cares about one another and they want to get better,” coach Pelletier said. “I have a lot of athletes on the team who are new to tournament golf, but not new to competition. I’m hoping that competitiveness helps overcome inexperience.”

Coach: Erin Stevens (first year).

Last year: no team finish at states due to lack of having enough players for a full team.

League: VPA Division II, Southern Vermont Conference.

Home course: Quechee Club.

Returnees: Senior — Joseph Barwood. Junior — Jaden Poirier. Sophomore — Matthew Tsouknakis. 

Newcomers: Juniors — Zach Johnson, Sean Dunton. Freshman — Thomas Thorburn.

Analysis: Senior captain Joseph Barwood is drawing praise from first-year coach Erin Stevens, who said, “he leads this group through humility and a nuanced, intelligent approach to the game.” Barwood and Jaden Poirier will look to set the tone for the team as a whole with their passion for golf. Stevens intends to focus her charges on course management and short game to get the most out of each player’s ability.

“We’re excited to watch these two (Barwood and Poirier) lead this team. We have a well-rounded group of golfers who will be able to simultaneously push each other in practices while also being a supportive, cohesive squad,” Stevens said.

Coach: Matthew Dancosse (third year).

Last year: 19-1, fifth at states. Roy Shapard was fifth as an individual.

League: NHIAA Division III.

Home course: Eastman Golf Links.

Returnees: Seniors — Roy Shapard, Alex Blish, Sean Miller, Dawson Bates, Sam Bates. Junior — Jack Clary. Sophomore — Ben Britton.

Newcomers: Senior — Cesar Salcedo. Freshman — Nick Pace.

Analysis: The Raiders return a big group from last season’s successful team, led by Roy Shapard looking to build on a very strong 2021 campaign. Plenty of varsity experience has Lebanon setting its sights high.

“Our kids genuinely enjoy playing golf. They played multiple days a week over the summer and really spent a lot of time trying to get better to gear up for what we hope is a run at a state championship,” coach Dancosse said.

Coach: Edward Oberhofer (fourth year).

Last year: winless.

League: NHIAA Division IV.

Home course: Newport Golf Club.

Returnees: Freshmen — Devan Robbins, Cooper Bocash. Eighth grade — Carter White, Andrew Bocash.

Newcomers: Sophomores — Steven Hebert, Amilio Urista.

Analysis: The Tigers boast a very young team with plenty of room to grow as players. An early-season focus on the short game should hopefully pay dividends.

“This team is coming off a building year. All of our players are very young, but we aim to be more competitive,” Oberhofer said.

Coach: Ryan Seaver (eighth year), Cam Williams and Alex Herzog (second year).

Last year: 10-11, no postseason.

League: NHIAA Division III.

Home course: Claremont Country Club.

Returnees: Seniors — Cedric Allen, Catie Bliss. Sophomores — Aubree Herzog, Ian Gersberg, Justin Demars, Zach Perkins, Josh Petrin, Lydia Redman.

Newcomers: Freshmen — Elli Girard, Oliver Beeman.

Analysis: Cedric Allen is a four-year veteran who will be charged with leading a relatively deep Cardinals team. Ian Gersberg and Aubree Herzog have also looked strong in early practices. 

“Short game, short game, short game. That’s where our focus will be this year,” coach Ryan Seaver said. “We’re going to have a different seven-person lineup each match to get experience playing competitive golf. These kids are young, but they’re committed.”

Coach: Pat Allen (ninth year).

Last year: Two individuals (Lee Bevis and Gavin Martin) competed in sectionals as individuals.

League: VPA Division II.

Home course: John P. Larkin Country Club.

Returnees: Junior — Lee Bevis. Sophomore — Helen Ennis. Seventh grade — Jake Smith.

Newcomers: Freshmen — Sloane Phillips, Oden Cramer. Seventh grade — Griffin Cramer.

Analysis: Lee Bevis is the lone upperclassman on the team and draws praise from coach Pat Allen for his worth ethic and positive attitude. Seventh grader Jake Smith works hard at his game and brings good experience from middle-school matches. Helen Ennis has improved a lot since last season and will be a big part of the team as well.

“Our team is low on numbers, but it’s encouraging having some newcomers. As always, skill development will be the primary focus this year. A lot of chipping, putting and range work. Looking forward to a great season,” Allen said.

Coach: Matt Closter (first year).

Last year: Southern Vermont League champions.

League: VPA Division II, SVL.

Home course: Woodstock Country Club.

Returnees: Seniors — Ethan Dean, Jacob Carey, Will Coates, Austin Bloch, Chris Bradley. Juniors — Owen Kross, Tori McNamara, Jacob Roth, Reece Sheehan. Sophomore — Andrew Steele.

Newcomers: Freshman — Beck Welch.

Analysis: The Wasps are returning almost the entire team from last year’s SVL title-winning squad. Captain Ethan Dean leads this experienced group hoping to make a run in postseason tournaments once again. Coach Matt Closter is new this season, but has been director of golf at Woodstock Country Club, the Wasps’ home track, for six years.