As the weather warms and students flood Olson Beach after a long day at school, there is another sport getting ready for the new season after their long hibernation.
The Taylor men’s and women’s golf teams are looking to show up and show out for their respective spring seasons.
The men had a very productive fall season where they finished outside of the top five only once, and took home first in the Battle at Blackthorn in South Bend, Indiana and the Egypt Valley Championship in Ada, Michigan. This has them currently receiving votes for the top 25.
“I know I’m personally looking forward to the season and looking forward to what both teams can do this season,” head coach Lorne Oke said.
Historically, the men’s and women’s teams have been dominant in the Crossroads League, with the men winning six of the last seven CL Championships and the women’s side winning four total CL titles.
Their competition will only get tougher as the talent gap seems to be closing in the Crossroads League with the “middle of the pack” teams becoming more competitive and putting pressure on the teams atop the conference.
“We are seeing the other teams in our conference become more competitive,” Oke said. “I think a big part of that is due to great recruiting by these other schools. We are definitely facing tougher competition within our own conference.”
One newcomer making an immediate impact on the team is freshman Tanner Conklin. In his first collegiate season, Conklin has finished in the top 15 of an event twice and even finished top five in the Delaware Country Club Shootout.
Conklin looks to keep up his momentum heading into the spring season which will kick off on Monday, Mar. 11 at the William Carey Collegiate.
“I learned a lot this first season and I look forward to learning even more about myself as a golfer and as a college student,” Conklin said.
On the women’s side, the future is looking just as bright. After winning three competitions last semester, the Trojans will start the spring season ranked No. 22.
During the Huntington Invitational, Taylor showed its dominance by having not one, not two, but five Trojans place in the top 10 of the invitational.
Sophomore Shayne Lim took second place, while junior Ellie Karst took fifth place. Junior Ellie Beavins took seventh, while sophomore Margarita Garrido and junior Alyssa Schmidt tied for ninth. Beavins looks to keep that momentum going.
“Last season was really good, and we’re hoping to take that success into the spring,” Beavins said. “If we remember to stay focused and intentional in practice we should see success.”
The women start their spring season on Monday, Mar. 11th at the Baker shootout in Spring Hill, Kansas.
In addition to their impressive track record, the Taylor University men's and women's golf teams are known for their strong sense of camaraderie and teamwork. Coach Oke emphasizes the importance of a supportive team environment, where players push each other to excel and grow both on and off the course.
“Both of our teams are close with each other and they truly are some of the greatest teammates to each other,” Oke said.
This team spirit has been a driving force behind their success, as players rally together to overcome challenges and celebrate victories. As they gear up for the spring season, the Trojans are focused on individual performance and supporting each other as they strive for excellence as a team.
