During a recent practice round, Hillcrest High golf coach Dave Richardson focused on fundamentals.

“You got a slice there, see the spin; you’re not getting the distance,” he told one player. To another, he said, “You don't want anybody to give you an opportunity to say you weren't behind the marker.”

It’s early in the season, but after two fourth-place tournament finishes, the Huskies already are eyeing the Sept. 29 region 4 tournament at Glendale Golf Course in Salt Lake City and the 5A state championships Oct. 6-7 at Talons Cove is Saratoga Springs.

“These guys, they'll be good by the end of the season,” said Richardson, who coaches with Jeff Meyer. “We're getting better every week. We’re going to be working on chipping and putting. It’s a big thing and it’s free and easy to do. Most of these kids hit the ball farther than I do, but they can't get the ball up and down. We don’t want to see three-putts on the green.”

While hopeful, Richardson is realistic. He expects Cyprus to win the region, with West Jordan, Hunter and Hillcrest competing for second.

“I need four guys to play well consistently. They’re all good kids and they’re getting better. We’re playing this today as a qualifier so the top seven guys with the lowest scores will play varsity next week,” he said.

Leading the way is freshman Jack Burrell. After a disappointing first tournament, he rebounded in the second.

“He shot even par on the front side,” Richardson said. “He’s got a shot at playing at state.”

Burrell, who started hitting balls at age five, said, “During COVID was the first time I played on a course. Golf is hard, but I enjoy playing it a lot. I'm very competitive so I like playing against people in tournaments.”

Seniors Miles Morgan and Chander Chase are team captains. 

Morgan, who started at age eight with a set of clubs for his birthday, was inspired by family.

“I wanted to go play with my dad, grandpa and uncle and now, my brother plays too,” he said.

His younger brother, Riley, a freshman, adds a sibling rivalry element.

“I’m better than him; I beat him at The Ridge (Golf Course),” said Riley, who added, “Honestly, we’re about the same. He's probably two, three strokes better usually. I like to beat him, and he likes to beat me, but we always have fun when we play together. He hits the ball a lot farther than me so there’s always a competition if I can hit my driver as far as a seven iron.”

Senior Baron McPolin is new to the team, though he first played golf in elementary school.

“I tried it when I was eight, and I dreaded it because I had to walk the entire course and it was just hot,” he said. “Every once in a while, I'd hit a good shot. Now, I started back up and I’ve had a lot of fun playing with my dad and now playing with my new teammates.  I've only played my first tournament, but I'm excited for the rest of it. It's fun. I tried out last year, and I shot a 150 and then let's just say I turned it around.”

Sophomore Conner Jackson also improved after missing the cut last year.

“I tried out last year, but I didn't quite make it,” he said. “I made it this year, because I practiced my butt off

playing five days a week (weather permitting).  My uncle has been a good golfer since forever, so he just inspired me to play golf.”

Freshman Jason Shupe followed in the footsteps of his older brothers, Andrew and Jack. Jack, who is a senior and on the team this year, tore his ACL playing soccer so he is out for the season.

“I just grew up playing golf, started the summer when I was six, playing with my two brothers,” Jason Shupe said. “It’s a fun sport.”

Junior Carson Powell also was influenced by family — his dad, his brother Jacob (class of 2022), and sister Kylie, who plays on the girls’ team.

“When I was young, my dad put me into it; I didn't play much, but I liked it,” he said. “Then, in middle school, I thought it was kind of lame. When I hit high school, I started playing a lot. I like the weather, I like being out in the nature and when you hit a good shot, it feels good.”

Classmate Weston Allen appreciates the camaraderie.

“I have a couple friends on the team, who wanted me to play, so it's fun playing with them and the others,” he said. “And we got some real good coaches.”

Sophomore Bridger Bollow wants to improve his game.

“You can always improve your game and just keep working on it,” he said. “I go to the range, every other day and try to work on my irons. I'm trying to improve striking down on the ball because a lot of times I don't hit my irons very well. “

Senior Chase Runnells agrees; he looks to get better every time he plays.

“It’s challenging,” he said. “Golf’s mindset is 80% mental. Breathing helps — taking deep breaths and thinking about how you want your next shot to be, not worrying about previous shots. You can work with now, what you got.”

Rounding out the team is sophomore Liam Barnes.

Runnells and Miles Morgan are optimistic about the year.

“We’re in a new region and we’re right in the middle of the pack,” Runnells said. “Cyprus is looking pretty good, but we're pulling it in there. Everybody's getting their game.”

Morgan adds: “We’re not quite where we want to be, but we got big expectations. We’ll get there by the end of the season.”