The Alta Hawks have a large boys golf team, with 18 total players contributing. However, only two of those players are seniors, making Alta a young, inexperienced group. 

But that isn’t intimidating the team. 

Alta head coach Cody Nesbit sees the youthfulness and lack of competition experience as a chance for the players to learn and grow. He also believes this team can build a foundation for a strong program in the coming years. 

“Young players mean lots of room for growth and an opportunity to gain experience, which can really add depth to future Alta teams,” Nesbit said. “The players have really bought in to practicing with purpose and are trying to learn from golf rounds on how to improve their game and get better.”

When the Hawks played in their opening tournament of the 2024 campaign at the beginning of August, five of the eight players were competing for the first time at the varsity level. From that point onward, Nesbit has set a goal for his players, including the newcomers, to improve each practice and match. Despite the inexperience of the team, Nesbit is hopeful that every player can qualify for the Class 5A state tournament Oct. 14, 15 at Glen Eagle Golf Course in Syracuse. 

“Our goals are to always to get better at golf every day and to learn from tournament play so we know what to work on at practice,” he said. “The team goal is to make state.”

One player who isn’t new to this level of play is senior Gage Lowe. The senior leader is in his third year on the squad. Another key player is junior Cooper DowDell, one of the top returning scorers for Alta. He adds some experience, having been with the varsity team for two years. Junior Coby Goodfellow has some varsity experience as well. Junior Zak Kelly has improved his golf skills, Nesbit said. Kelly spent much of the summer playing in Junior PGA events and “has been a great surprise to a team that needs varsity starters,” Nesbit said. Zach Wagstaff and Jake England, both sophomores are back after getting some time on the course as freshmen. 

“I’m excited to see them get valuable experience this year,” Nesbit said of the sophomore duo. 

For this season to be a success, Nesbit said his younger players need to develop quickly and learn how to compete at the varsity level. It won’t be easy for the Hawks to move up the region standings. Region 6 presents some big challenges, which can be daunting for newer players. Still, Nesbit believes being on the course with highly skilled players will only help the Hawks get better. 

“Region 6 is absolutely loaded with golf talent,” he said. “Our region is probably the best golf region at any level. Sometimes it can be intimidating to see the talented golfers in other teams and have to play side by side with them, but it will only make these younger players better as they learn from this talented region of golfers.”

Nesbit said Alta’s more seasoned players have taken their younger teammates under their wings and have been great mentors. The Hawks enjoy a strong bond and support one another regardless of what struggles or victories they are having. 

“They are a fun group who love to golf, love to practice and have the desire to get better,” Nesbit said. “I love that they all get along and try to help each other improve their golf game.”λ