As the spring sports season is in full roll, boys golf is hitting it off strong. For the first time ever in Branson boys golf history, there have been cuts from the varsity team. Twenty-five students went to try out, but only 16 of them made the team. 

“This is by far the most participation we’ve had,” said Carl Smith ‘26, a co-captain of the boys varsity golf team.

Smith attributes this newfound popularity to the friendliness the sport and the Branson team has to offer. 

“Golf’s like a hobby,” he said. “We get to miss some classes to go out on the course and play, do a sport that we love, get better at it,” he said. “I think everyone is just here for a good time, first and foremost.”

The friendliness and hospitality that Smith mentioned is a core tenet of the boys golf team. For Drew Kalafatas ‘27, this season marks his first time playing on the team. 

“I am pretty new to golf, and some of the more experienced guys on the team are super kind and willing to give tips on the course,” he said.

Although Kalafatas’s primary focus is on boys varsity basketball, he still feels a warm sense of acceptance on the boys golf team despite being new and somewhat inexperienced.

Boys golf practices Monday through Thursday at the Peacock Gap Golf Club in San Rafael, growing as a team so they are able to completely show out in their matches that typically occur twice a week. In addition to their matches, they also compete in tournaments that are more spread out across the season.

“We’re having a really good year this year despite losing our best player,” said Smith.

Looking beyond boys golf’s success thus far, the future for the remaining season is looking bright.

“This year we’re aiming to make the MCAL playoffs,” Smith said. “Once you’re in the playoffs, you never know what could happen. We can always win.”