The men’s golf team, with then-junior Ryan Ford coming in fourth as an individual, finished ninth last season in the State meet and hopes to do even better this spring. 

This year, Ford will be back and he looks to improve both his individual and team placements this season before heading to the University of Cincinnati to continue his career as a golfer. 

First year Head Coach Mr. Ryan Brammer is excited about the upcoming season, and having a returning senior of Ford’s caliber is an added bonus. He said, “When (Ford) has the ability to shoot below 70, that really helps out our team score, especially if the rest of the guys are playing to their potential. It gives us some nice ammunition going into the postseason.”

As a returning senior, especially one that had considerable success last season, Ford has been setting an example for the more inexperienced players during practices this winter. Ford said he feels as if his past success is something to build around. 

Brammer also alluded to Ford’s leadership, saying, “Having guys like (Ford) around is huge because they bring an element of winning, an element of competition that brings everybody up a little.”

Brammer also believes that Ford’s experience, as well as that of some of the other returning players, will be important when the tournament comes around. He said, “I believe that our returning guys last year that already experienced Regional competition will be able to show that to some of our younger guys who will have to solidify themselves as varsity players (and) postseason players.” 

Ford gained valuable experience last year and achieved much success, but he still was not satisfied with the result. He said, “I placed fourth (at State), but I definitely think I could have played better.” This year, he said, Ford’s goal is to win the individual State title.

Both Ford and Brammer have goals for the team this season as well. Ford said, “Hopefully we can make it to State and do as well as we can.” 

Brammer’s goal was the same. He said, “I like our chances. They finished ninth last year, but once again with our returning guys’ scoring ability, I like our chances on Day 2 to have a chance at the team trophy.”

After what he hopes will be a great senior season, Ford will take his talents down I-74 to compete for the Cincinnati Bearcats next spring. He chose Cincinnati over Nebraska, West Virginia, Xavier and Butler. Ford said, regarding his decision, “I know (Cincinnati’s) bringing in a lot of freshmen this year, and like all of them are going to have a chance to play. I just felt like it was the best fit for me.”

In college, Ford will have to work to qualify to compete in each meet. Cincinnati will be able to take only a certain number of people, and as a freshman, he knows that he will probably lose a spot to more experienced players. He said, “There will definitely be some weeks where some freshmen will have to sit behind people.”

Ford said his goal for his first collegiate season will be to do what he already does: play as well and as much as he can. During the summers, he said he plays every day at the Prairie View and Bridgewater courses, aside from when it rains.

Even when winter weather came in this year and the courses closed, Ford made sure to get his practice in with the team, which held winter workouts throughout the offseason.

Ford and the team are prepared to begin their season. They will compete in their first match on April 9, when they will play in the Floyd Central Invitational alongside the host school, Evansville North and Bloomington South.