Broncos aim high as they return to the green

RITZVILLE — As the spring sports season kicks off, the Lind-Ritzville Broncos golf squads are eager to hit the green in the pursuit of a state appearance. After sending two golfers last season, Head Coach Bryce Court is hopeful to see more competitors repping the Broncos in this postseason.  

“I have high hopes that we can sneak in four or five (golfers), and that's a tall order, but I feel like we got to aim high and try to get that accomplished,” Court said.  

After Hayes Hennings and Jase Bowman appeared in the state tournament last season, Court and the Broncos are optimistic they can send more golfers this year after the team gained a lot of invaluable experiences last year.  

“(Hennings) made it to the second day, (and) he did very well for himself. He actually hasn't been golfing that long, but he definitely takes it seriously and practices a lot. He is every coach's dream,” Court said.  

Bowman just missed the cut for day two, Court said. Ever since, he has been practicing in the offseason to improve and build on last season’s successes. Beau Fode was the Broncos’ alternate for the state tournament. Court is confident he can take the next step to qualify for the postseason this year.  

The girls squad is on the younger side, but Court is optimistic they can perform this season.  

“They're still in the beginner phase. My goal is that they can get to that qualifying score (for districts) and do well,” Court said.  

As they hone their skills and prepare for the new season, Court has his players focused on the small details of the game. To him, that’s the difference-maker for getting to the state tournament. He keys in on their short game and putting, he said. Once players identify where they want to improve, they spend a lot of time working on those specific elements of their game.  

“(Hennings) spends a ton of time on his short game and is really working on that. We play a lot of friendly wager, where (we look at) how many three putts we are getting, and things like that. From the technical point of view, the difference between your everyday golfer and a state qualifier is how they are doing around the greens, and how many times they three-putt and how often they get up and down,” Court said.  

    Jase Bowman hits an approach shot during practice at the Ritzville Golf Course. Bowman was a state qualifier last season for the Broncos. Head Coach Bryce Court is eager to see him return this season.