Outstanding hand-eye coordination, pinpoint accuracy, and raw determination— these are only a few of the talents that it takes to flourish at golf. Throughout the 2016-17 season, it was apparent that the White Station golf team possessed all of these skills.

The White Station golf team, captained by Joshua McCray (11) and Bethany Dockery (11), boasted a Boys Varsity record of 20-27-1, while the girls accumulated a 20-11 record. With many impressive tournament wins, the Spartans certainly were not playing around.

For Dockery, golf is more than just a sport. Wishing to play in college, she is constantly practicing.

Dockery had big moments, but nothing compares to her win against Houston High School as a freshman.

“My best moment was probably freshman year leading us to state, and being first in the region, giving Houston a big upset,” Dockery said.

People do not typically join school sports teams as seniors, but that was not the case for Carson Rudolph (12). Playing since June of this year, Rudolph has prioritized his role on the golf team. Accepting his role as a player rather than a captain, he has excelled on the golf course. For Rudolph, it was all about the accolades.

“My favorite part had to be finishing as third medalist at districts and fifth medalist at county championships,” Rudolph said.

Rather than playing individual matches against single schools, the Spartans typically play in tournaments against many schools.

Every school-organized sport needs a coach, and that is no different for golf. That is where Economics teacher Ed McDugle, comes in. With a rich background in golf, McDugle provides his athletes with the expertise they need

“I played high school at Overton [and] college golf,” McDugle said. “I still play competitive tournament golf [and] still travel around the country to play. This year I won the Memphis Publinks Championship for the fourth time.”

With three golfers qualifying for state this year, Mcdugle has high expectations for the 2017 season.

“Well, with the top players from each team returning, we wish to make it to state next year,” McDugle said.

Over the years, the Spartans have accumulated all types of prestigious awards. For the men on the team, they have won the Boys 16AAA District Championship five years in a row. As for the women, they have won the Girls District Championship 12 years in a row.

However, for the Spartan Golfers, it is not all about the awards but about their passion for the game.

“It’s not what you get out of it,” Dockery said. “It’s what you put into it.”