The Hammond High School golf team is heading into a new season with a mix of experienced players and newcomers. Led by coach Scott Osborne, the team has golfers with different levels of experience who are all working toward the same goal: getting better and helping Hammond succeed.

Two players who show that difference especially well are senior Colin Stryker and freshman Colten Johnson.

Stryker has been playing golf for four years and has had plenty of time to develop his game. This season, he said one of the biggest things he is working on is his putting.

Putting may not be the most noticeable part of golf, but it can have a major impact on a player’s score. After getting to the green, being able to finish the hole can make the difference between gaining or losing a stroke.

Stryker already has an accomplishment to look back on, having won the Skillet. With four years of experience, he has also had the opportunity to play in different situations and learn from them.

Despite taking his game seriously, Stryker’s advice to younger golfers is simple.

“Have fun with it.”

Golf can be a stressful and competitive sport, especially when players are trying to earn a spot on a team. For Stryker, though, enjoying the game is still an important part of playing it.

Johnson is taking a very different path.

The freshman has only been playing golf for about three weeks, but that has not stopped him from making an immediate impact. Despite being so new to the sport, Johnson has already earned a starting spot on the Hammond varsity team.

A big part of Johnson’s approach is staying active and putting in the work. When asked how important fitness is to golf, Johnson said it depends on how you use your body and what you eat every day.

He also believes golfers need to be athletic and willing to work.

Johnson has already started developing his own routine. When he goes to the driving range, he likes to hit a certain number of shots with every club in his bag instead of focusing on just one or two clubs.

For a player who has only been golfing for a few weeks, that kind of practice gives Johnson a chance to become familiar with all parts of his game.

He also puts a lot of importance on flexibility and mobility.

“I think they’re very important because you need your body to move in certain places that they might not be used to moving,” Johnson said.

The golf swing requires a lot of movement and coordination, making mobility an important part of Johnson’s preparation.

Johnson also understands that golf is not only physically demanding. Playing for an entire round can become mentally tiring as well. But rather than seeing fatigue as a reason to stop, Johnson believes players have to push through it if they really want to accomplish their goals.

“If you really wanted that bad, you’re gonna wanna be able to push through,” Johnson said.

That mindset could be especially important as Johnson continues adjusting to varsity golf. He may not have the experience of some of his teammates, but he is making up for it with his willingness to work and learn.

Johnson also believes core strength plays an important role in the golf swing. Having control over the body can help a golfer control their swing and make more accurate shots.

The difference between Stryker and Johnson gives Hammond an interesting combination heading into the season. Stryker brings four years of experience and knowledge of the game, while Johnson is just beginning his golf career and has already found his way into the varsity lineup.

For Stryker, the season is another opportunity to build on what he has learned throughout his high school career. For Johnson, it is the start of something new.

With experienced players like Stryker and newcomers like Johnson, Hammond has plenty of different approaches to the game. How successful that combination will be remains to be seen, but both players are ready to put in the work and see what the season brings.