When thinking about team sports, golf isn’t typically the first thing to come to most people’s minds. For Wakefield, this year’s men’s golf roster and their coach are striving for success through means of determination, perseverance and chemistry between the players both in practices and matches. For the players, good music is also key – whether it’s for team building or to de-stress. With this year’s season starting fresh, this team is ready to dominate the green. 

James Doyle, the team’s head coach, believes golf is unique because it is a sport that people can learn at any age. He has been coaching golf for 18 years and has taught his players that even though this sport doesn’t operate in what people traditionally think of as a “team,” the final results are a group effort. 

“Even though it’s individual, your [teammates] are dependent upon you,” Doyle said. 

One of the seniors on the team, Jack Peterson, has been into golf ever since his dad taught him how to play. While the thrill of the game itself is something he loves, his favorite part is the friendships he’s made with his teammates. 

“I’ve met so many new people and new friends [on this team] that I can call my brothers for the rest of my life,” Peterson said. 

Of course, golf isn’t all just making new friends, but Peterson has a few tactics to get his head in the game when pressure runs high. One of the biggest things he mentions is focusing on his breathing to get him past the first toll. After that, he makes sure to keep his mind in the present to prevent overthinking. Most notably, as a pre-game ritual, Peterson’s go-to warm-up music consists of Billie Eilish hits. 

“I’m not really a Billie Eilish listener,” Peterson said. “But if I’m ever warming up, I’m always listening to [her songs].”

Isaiah Adel, a sophomore golf player, has been playing since he was two years old. Adel thinks the best way to mentally prepare for a golf match is to hang out with your teammates because it mentally prepares him but also the rest of the team. 

“[My pre-game ritual consists of] four of us riding in the same car, listening to music,” Adel said.

Freshman Nadal Dahir started playing golf about four years ago and while it will be his first season on this team, Coach Doyle has already appointed him to a leadership position. He’s ready to contribute with his strengths in chipping and his mid-distance wedge game and to improve individually on his irons. Dahir believes acknowledging weaknesses can make or break a golfer.

“I think the difference between the average golfer and a great golfer is the work ethic,” Dahir said. “People who just want it more will work harder.”

In all, this team is one that not only operates on technique and skill but strong relationships built between the players, as well as trust that goes both ways for the athletes and the coach. This has all led to success for Wakefield’s boys’ golf, who have won their conference championship three years in a row and are striving for a fourth. Along with winning, many will also take the valuable lessons, memories and friendships that came with it. 

“[This team] brings a lot of camaraderie,” Doyle said. “Some of the kids go through later on saying that was the best experience they ever had.”