The Webb City Cardinals return three golfers, including one state qualifier and another who earned all-conference honors, from last season.
“The guys are very serious and focused at practice,” Webb City coach Jackson Boyer told SoMo Sports. “This is a very intense group that wants to do their best every day. Each player understands every day is an opportunity to get better. There is currently a lot of competition on the team for spots and rankings. As a coach, you love it because that will hopefully carry over to our matches and tournaments when we get the season going.”
Webb City’s three returning golfers are senior and all-conference performer Braxten Cahoon, junior and state qualifier Levi Lassiter and junior and varsity letterman Cooper Forth.
“Braxten Cahoon is our lone senior and team captain,” Boyer said. “He sets a great example of working hard and being prepared every single day he’s on the course.”
The Cardinals have junior Carson Judd and sophomores Jackson Lucas and Jack Good in competition for the other varsity spots.
“All three have been very impressive early on,” Boyer said. “It’s going to be a very exciting year for Webb City golf.”
Boyer identified team goals as to improve overall team scores over the course of the season, compete and be in a position to win every tournament, and qualify as a team for state.
Additionally, he said that experience, driving the golf ball, approach shots, and preparation are team strengths and being able to recover after a poor shot, putting and chipping, and making better decisions on the course are team weaknesses.
“Staying focused and locked in for a full 18 holes,” Boyer said of keys to success. “Being able to overcome a bad shot or tough break that may come along during a tournament. Being consistent from tee to green for a full round.”
Webb City placed fourth at both conference and districts last season.
Cahoon tied for eighth place at last year’s COC tourney. Lassiter tied for 70th with a 175 at last year’s Class 4 state tournament at Meadow Lakes Acres Country Club.
The Cardinals open their new season March 27 and their season includes the Joplin Invitational at Twin Hills (April 6), the Papa John’s Cup at Briarbrook (April 7), the Horton Smith at Schifferdecker (April 10), the Ozark Invitational (April 13), the Carthage Invitational (April 17), and the Bird Dog Invitational at Briarbrook (April 24) before conference, district, and possibly state competition.
