After a state tournament appearance and a 9-1 regular season campaign in 2022, WA Golf looks to continue raising the bar as to what is defined as success. With a new coach in physical education teacher Patrick Claycomb at the helm, the team is determined to take a leap large enough to propel them towards a state championship.
There has been no shortage of talent coming through the Westford Academy Golf Team as they have produced multiple college commits over the past two years, yet this year there is a new energy. Between the captains, returners, and now having Claycomb leading the charge, the 2023 team believes they have all the pieces to be the best in the state.
“Our goal is to put another banner up while also having a good time with the game,” senior captain Justin Davighi said. “The team knows the end goal and knows we are good enough to win a state championship, but it is keeping our head in the game that will either get us there or make us fall short.”
Claycomb is extremely confident in the team’s ability to perform at a high level every time out on the course, and expects his captains to lead the charge every step of the way.
“I’ve really put a lot on the captains. We talk almost every day. As a new coach they have helped me with some of the logistical parts of being a coach,” Claycomb said. “As team leaders, they have done a great job of getting everyone on the same page with goals and commitment.”
Senior captains Alex Kwon, Ilan Rashdan, and Davighi are poised and focused on their goal of a state title, but are also making sure they prioritize the relationships between everyone on the team. It is important to everyone on the roster to make sure the team is always having fun with the game.
“One of my main goals for the team is working together with Coach Claycomb and co-captains, Justin and Ilan, to build a good foundation with our new and returning team members,” Kwon said. “I also want to keep the team spirit and camaraderie alive, and of course, winning as many matches as possible.”
The team has gotten off to an impressive 4-1 start to the 2023 regular season, setting a great foundation for the rest of their campaign, but the team is remaining focused knowing that they have not reached any of their big goals yet.
“At 4-1, everything is going well so far. If there is anything we can take away from the first couple of weeks it is that we can beat anyone. When we are playing well we will be tough to beat,” Claycomb said. “But when we don’t play well, like our second match against Weston, we need to learn how to refocus and grind it out.”
The WA Golf Team will be a team to watch out for as the season progresses as they continue to make their run at a state tournament berth. Their next match will be against Cambridge in a home match at Nabnasset Lake Country Club.
