Many people in Salida golf for enjoyment of a physical activity, the mental focus required, and the social aspects that help build community. This 2025 golf season has brought more players than previous years to the Salida High School golf team. Although there are more people on the team this year, the coach is still working to make practice more meaningful, and reach students on an individual level. With the team’s season already ended, there is much to report.

The Varsity team did pretty good this season, according to Ben Hatfield, a SHS junior and member of the Salida Golf Team. Hatfield also explained that having new players invested in the sport has been a benefit of this year.

“I got involved in golf because of my dad’s love for the sport and playing with him,” Hatfield said. Hatfield wanted to have the opportunities to learn from the team coaches. 

Golf can supply students with new and important life skills. Hatfield explained that the team has taught him patience. “Golf’s a frustrating game so it helps to have fun.” With the frustration of golf, having fun and patience can immensely improve students’ experiences. 

Hatfield said, “We always hope to win Tri-Peaks League,” Tri-Peaks League is an athletic division, in which they host championship meets among teams of different sports. While the SHS golf team didn’t win Tri-Peaks League, one of the team members did make it to state. Hatfield explained that his favorite moment of this season was when Henry Sisneros made it to state, because it’s always good to see teammates make it to state, and compete on a higher level. 

This year they worked hard to improve their skills while also having fun as a team. It was a good season this year with lots of growth from the team.