Young Clarkrange Golf Team Finding Its Groove

After stepping in halfway through last year’s season, Clarkrange Head Golf Coach Josh Swallows said his new team consists of seven boys and two girls, and is comprised of mostly freshman.

Swallows said he likes to play golf for fun but he’s found he out he’s a better coach than player.

“I want to help them get better and I think I can do that,” Swallows said. “And give them moral support, I want them to know that you’re not going to hit a perfect shot every time. And you need to be able to shake that off.”

Swallows got to see his team hit the links at the annual Early Bird golf tournament Monday. The tournament was held at the Golden Eagle Golf Club and saw 12 golf team from around the Upper Cumberland compete. Swallows said that freshman Luke Thompson caught his eye in his first high school match.

“You can tell when a kid’s played before and when one’s not,” Swallows said. “Luke Thompson is his name and he hit some good shots that I’d seen.”

The Buffaloes will rely on returning players Bryton Swallows, Brady Sitton and Matthew Norris. Swallows said his job on match day was less about swing instruction and he focused on giving his players positive feedback.

“I just try to tell them in each game and in each match, just to try and get one shot better,” Swallows said. “If you could just save yourself on the putting green by putting so many times or just taking your time and hitting the shots that you need to hit. They done well, I was satisfied.”