CROSS RIVER, N.Y. - On Monday, April 27, John Jay teed off against Fox Lane at Waccabuc Country Club, looking to improve on its 4–3 record. A respectable mark, and according to sophomore Asher Barnett, the Wolves are taking a steady, golfer’s approach as they reach the midpoint of the season.
“It’s how we finish, not how we start,” Barnett said.
John Jay backed up that mindset with a 198–209 victory. Barnett credits his success to his ability to recover when things don’t go perfectly.
“Scrambling—where even if my hole doesn’t go perfect, I can still scrape together a par,” he said.
While he acknowledges his driving accuracy still needs improvement, Barnett understands the impact it can have.
“If the driver is working, that’s when I tend to go low,” he explained.
Averaging around a 42 this season, Barnett keeps his approach simple.
“You have to keep the ball in play and never putt more than twice,” he said.
Senior Wally Ryder echoed that philosophy and attributes much of his improvement to his short game. Ryder led the Wolves with a 36 in the match and currently averages a 39.
“It’s been a lot of practice,” he said.
New equipment hasn’t hurt either.
“I’m grateful to my parents,” Ryder added, noting that his new clubs — along with an average drive of about 310 yards — have helped his performance.
Just as important, he says, is the mental side of the game.
“My mental game is always great,” Ryder said.
Henry Millhon also emphasizes mindset, though with his own unique flair.
“The strength of my game is my fashion. I’ve got the hat, I’ve got the glasses — I bring it all,” he said with a smile.
The sophomore, who averages in the low 40s, backs that confidence with a solid short game.
“I have a lot of free time to practice,” he said.
Ollie Yuan focuses on adaptability.
“Some days my strength is my short game, and some days it’s my approach shots,” he said.
Still working to improve his driving, Yuan stays mentally composed despite the hazards on the course.
“I just try to focus on the next shot,” he said.
Senior Brennan Hodge, recently moved up from JV, is averaging a 44 — an improvement from last season.
“Practice — that’s what this game is,” he said. “Being able to repeat a swing over and over until it’s consistent.”
While he’s added distance to his drives, it hasn’t come without challenges.
“It’s a lot easier to be accurate when you’re not hitting the ball as far,” Hodge said. “Now that I’ve added distance, I’ve had trouble keeping it in the fairway.”
He also admits that competition can sometimes affect his focus.
“If they stick it close and you feel like you have to match it, it’s definitely a factor,” he said.
Still, Hodge keeps his goals grounded.
“I just want to get better and have a good senior year,” he said.
Junior James Strauss is shooting around 40 and considers his driving a strength. He’s also made strides with his short game.
“I switched putters a lot and spent more time practicing,” Strauss said.
As for the team dynamic, Strauss likes what he sees.
“We’re pretty consistent and don’t have anyone always going high,” he said.
That consistency gives the Wolves confidence moving forward.
“We still have a shot at winning sectionals,” Barnett said.
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