The woosh of the club swinging, the crack of the ball being hit, the rattle as the ball sinks into the hole, these are sounds many high schoolers across the country hear when playing golf. Some players choose to play casually, while others commit to honing their skills by competing at a high level. At Chamblee High School, it’s many of these students who make up the golf team.
Many players on the Chamblee golf team have been interacting with the game from an early age.
“I have been interested in golf all my life because my grandpa was very into it… so watching and playing golf was common in my family,” said Grace Graham (‘26).
Although Graham grew up around the sport, Chamblee’s golf team was her way of immersing herself in golf.
“I really got into it during my sophomore year when my friends proposed taking on a chill spring sport to keep us busy. It turned out to be a great decision,” said Graham.
While anyone can pick up a golf club, many of the athletes on Chamblee’s team have been playing from a young age.
“I first got into [golf] when I was around five years old, but didn’t really start playing until I was 10,” said Cameron Teh (‘27).
While many players were introduced to the sport in childhood, players like Teh can still find reasons to continue playing.
“One thing that makes me keep playing is being able to play with friends I have made, and I enjoy being part of a team and representing Chamblee,” said Teh.
Despite players having different paths to the sport, many share common experiences on Chamblee’s team
“Practices are pretty chill; we make the most of what we have. Some days, we swing at a range, some days we have our own work, and if we are lucky, we get time on an actual course,” said Cooper Adamson (‘28).
Practices for the golf team focus on improving players’ skills and mindset.
“Practices for the team really emphasize personal growth. We run sometimes, as well as driving range and course practices. Coach Tinnell always encourages us to compete against ourselves and stay mindful that we’re taking the time to improve our game,” said Graham.
For Edward Reed (‘26), who is in his first year on the team, the team dynamic and friendships are a major part of competition.
“I enjoy being with my friends the most when I’m golfing; they help brighten the mood when I’m not playing too well, or they hype me up when I am,” said Reed.
Many participants note the way their opponents encourage others, but also challenge one another to be at their best both physically and mentally.
“During the county and area tournaments, I was paired with some challenging competitors. However, I was able to learn from the experience… they taught me a lot about sportsmanship, endurance, and positive self-talk,” said Graham.
Challenges for the team have not been limited to the course; players have faced challenges off the course as well.
“The change of coaches after my freshman year made things rough, but it became easier over time,” said Teh.
Like all sports, achieving particular feats can make for memorable moments.
“The feeling when I got a hole-in-one for the first time was amazing,” said Adamson.
Players remarked on how their past accomplishments have stuck with them for many years.
“My favorite moment playing golf is probably when I got 9th out of 100 in a PGA youth drive, chip, and putt tournament when I was seven,” said Reed.
As Chamblee’s season continues, some team members see golf as more than just a sport or a competition, but a way to enrich their lives.
“It keeps me active, allows me to spend time outside, and helps me get closer to the people I play with,” said Graham. “I especially love spending time outdoors after a long day at school; it really helps me to unwind and breathe more deeply.”
