For the first time in over a decade, Pinewood students will have the opportunity to compete in golf as a spring sport. The team was founded by juniors Kayden Ge and Adrian Bunanta under the guidance of Athletic Director, Matt Stimson. The golf team was initially inspired by the two leaders, Ge and Bunanta, with the goal of implementing a new sport into Pinewood’s athletic program.

   “Golf was my first sport, but I quit for tennis,” Bunanta said. “Recently, though, I’ve enjoyed rediscovering it, which is why I brought it to Pinewood.”

   Stimson focused their enthusiasm and set a goal for them of recruiting more players and publicizing the team.

   “Mr. Stimson knew that both of us were big golf guys and asked us if we thought there would be enough interest for a golf team, so Adrian and I went asking around and got a lot of interest,” Ge said.

   Additionally, boys basketball assistant coach Ron Ozorio offered to become the golf team’s head coach, and he has worked alongside the two captains to attract new players.

   The team plans to act similarly to last year’s boys volleyball team, serving as a club-team hybrid. Practices will start later in the afternoon so members of other spring-season teams can play without conflict. However, practices will still occur twice a week: one at Stanford’s driving range and the second on local golf courses. Senior Avery Hall is excited to start the season.

   “I think it will be really fun having the opportunity to play a couple times a week, both on the driving range and the course,” Hall said.

   These practices are an opportunity for players such as Hall and junior Arya Bhaskar to compete in a sport that they have previously played on their own.

   “I’m really looking forward to bonding with a new set of people,” said Bhaskar. “Golf is going to be a fun and welcoming environment for Pinewood students to explore a new sport with low stakes.”

   While Bunanta is still figuring out the scheduling of competitions and tournaments, his main goal for the season is to play other schools and keep the players committed to the team.

   “Kayden and I took initiative for the team because we wanted to compete for Pinewood, and I think the main thing that we have to do as leaders is to make sure that people on the team are committed,” Bunanta said.

   As the team prepares for its first season, the captains hope the program will be a place for people to connect, have fun, and learn a new sport.

   “At the end of the day, golf is a fun sport, and it’s even better when you play with people you enjoy being around,” Ge said.