The final spring sports season begins for the 2023-24 Crothersville golf team today when they face off with Austin at Westwood Golf Course. The meeting is scheduled to start at 4:30 p.m.
Crothersville Head Coach Donald Conner begins his first season as Tigers head golf coach. The coach was an assistant for the 2023-24 Scottsburg Warriors boys’ basketball team, who won the Class 3A State Title last month.
Conner spoke about the chance to coach for the first time in the sport of golf.
“I’m thankful Crothersville gave me the opportunity to coach and teach the game,” he said. “When I started playing, it was just for fun, but then I got more serious and started taking lessons and learning the mechanics of how the body, mind, and swing all work together. It’s by far one of the hardest sports I’ve ever had to play, but it can teach you a lot such as patience, mental toughness, and sportsmanship.”
The Tigers only have two golfers this season in junior Beau Napier and senior Logen O’Sullivan. The head coach spoke about what he likes from his two athletes, who he already has some famaliraty with from basketball.
“I coached Logen and Beau in basketball this year and they are fierce competitors, quick learners, and great listeners,” Conner said. “They are great athletes, but even better kids so I’m excited to see what we can do this season. So far during practice sessions, I have been very impressed.”
The short game makes all the difference in the sport of golf. That’s been the main area of focus for Coach Conner.
“One thing we’ve been focusing on is our short game and limiting our chips and putts,” he said. “If we can get up and down, we can stay competitive.”
Both players compete in other spring sports at Crothersville. Napier runs track and plays baseball, while O’Sullivan plays baseball for the Tigers as well. Napier was asked how he manages the workload.
“Honestly, it is not that difficult to manage sports because I like to stay busy,” Napier said. “The credit goes to my coaches in each sport for allowing me to compete and split them up.”
The coach was asked about Westwood Golf Course and anything the players need to be ‘mindful’ of when they play it.
“It’s a great and challenging course for all levels of golfers,” Conner said. “It has multiple holes with water, elevated greens, and can hurt you depending on your tee shot and pin location. Our goal is to put ourselves in good spots off the tee and second shots.”
Conner was asked about what he would consider a ‘successful’ first season at Crothersville. He mentioned that composure will go along way.
“Our keys are to keep our composure when we hit a bad shot, miss a chip, or putt, and have a short memory,” he said. “If we limit our mistakes each match, we will find ourselves in a great spot. We need to stay confident, positive, and most of all have fun.”
Napier was also asked about what he would like to get out of this first school golf season.
“This is my first year playing golf for the school, so I’m looking to improve my score every single match,” Napier said. “I’m also looking forward to having some fun with a senior teammate in Logen.”
Napier said his favorite part of his game is his driving ability.
Crothersville will compete at Scottsburg on Monday against the Warriors, Austin, and Clarksville at 4:30 p.m. The team then goes to Champions Pointe in Henryville for a matchup with Eastern, Corydon and the Hornets. That competition will also start at 4:30 p.m.