Golf is a tough game. Whether you’re Scottie Scheffler or a first-time amateur, the sport presents so many challenges–most of them mental as much as physical. For golf captain Henri Peltier, the joys of the game are worth the struggle.

“For me being a captain means a lot. It’s a level of respect from both coaches and players, and a symbol of experience, regard, and leadership.” Leading a golf team presents unique challenges, since the game is both a team sport and an individual competition. Peltier said his experience is what makes him suited to be captain.

“I’ve been playing golf since I was probably four or five, pretty much as long as I could remember,” said Peltier. “My dad put a golf club in my hand as soon as I could walk.” Peltier’s years of time on the links have impacted not only his golf game, but he and his friends have worked to grow the Spartan golf team spirit–a spirit that is often described as laid back. As a result of this approach, student interest in the game has increased significantly.

“I started golfing during Covid because it was one of the only things you could do,” said varsity golfer Lukas Hembre (‘24) “I started playing competitively in junior year. Golf is an appealing sport to me because it is much more relaxing than the other sports I’ve played.”

Other current players expressed their appreciation for the game’s casual setting and practices–a recurring theme among team members and new players. According to Golf Coach Colton Werner, the team has ballooned this year, 15 new players joined the golf team this year since last year.

“The most appealing thing to me about golfing is the overall toughness of it,” Peltier said. “It’s a pretty casual game that you can play with buddies in your free time and enjoy.”

Peltier added, though, that golf can also be a mentally taxing sport, stating that the game is one where, “you can spend countless hours playing and perfecting–every swing–but either way there are always ups and downs. No matter when you’re playing, who you’re playing with, or what the weather and conditions are like.”

Hembre agrees. “Golf can be mentally difficult when you’re having a bad round, and it can be hard to bounce back after a bad shot. I think the best way to deal with that is to remember that you’re just out there with your friends after school.”

Even though the game is mentally taxing, the joy, friendship, and casual nature of golf make it a truly great experience.

Boys golf plays against Minnehaha Academy today at 3:30 p.m. at White Bear Lake Yacht Club.