The Andover Golf team lines up for introductions before its match against NMH.
Andover: 9.5, NMH: 2.5
On Saturday, All-Gender Golf kicked off the season with a comfortable win against Northfield Mount Hermon School (NMH). Despite the graduation of several experienced members, the team is optimistic about the season and eagerly anticipate warmer conditions for more effective practices.
In an email to The Phillipian, Kevin Zheng ‘26 conveyed the team’s enthusiasm following their initial victory of the season, and outlined goals for the upcoming games. Additionally, he highlighted the team’s eagerness for the spring’s weather, all under the guidance of Head Coach Brian Faulk, who has resumed coaching after a two year sabbatical.
“We have clinched our first win. The competition in the field remains fierce, and we are eager to keep honing our skills. Coach Faulk holds a high bar for himself and our team. He is hoping for warmer weather and better course conditions soon, so we can all go out practice and compete to the fullest,” wrote Zheng.
Leading into the game against NMH, Sean Niu ‘25 emphasized the team’s efforts to assimilate its new members to the pace. The unified practices facilitate a collaborative environment to address skill gaps to foster a cohesive team dynamic.
Niu said, “We don’t have an official Varsity and JV lineup. We are all kind of one big family. Of course, we lost a lot of really talented and caring Seniors last year, but our Co-Captain, Logan Eskildsen [’24] has been able to fill in that role really well, and he’s kind of like the big brother for everybody. Because we all practice together, it has been really easy for us to integrate the new kids with the older kids.”
Similarly, Zheng highlighted the roles of team captains Eskildsen and Heyon Choi ’25 in their effort to foster a unified team.
Zheng wrote, “Heyon and Logan have truly stood out, not just as co-captain[s] but also as golfers. This season, they are leading the charge in fostering team spirits. For instance, they have been actively organizing group practice before the season starts. Our team has set up a group chat to ensure everyone’s voice is heard, whether it’s choosing uniformed headcovers to showcase our Big Blue pride or providing Andover ball markers for all.”
Niu also highlighted the efforts of Sebastian Montemayor ’27, who precisely played on the green.
“He plays the one or two seed and switches off with Abby [Zhu ’26], and I heard that in his match, there were a lot of big moments where he was able to step up and deliver a clutch shot when it mattered, so I think he definitely stood out and made some clutches moments for the team,” Niu said.
Considering the extended season ahead, Niu acknowledged that, although no significant weaknesses emerged in their first match, there is room for improvement and aspirations for the upcoming season.
Niu said “First and foremost, I wouldn’t say there are any weaknesses to our team. We are a very young team and very skilled and even though we already have the skill, there is a lot of room for development and we have the potential of, I think, going undefeated this year which is our goal.”
Due to the unforeseen New England weather, Zheng expressed alternative ways the team will train for its upcoming matches. While a 30-minute slot in the golf stimulator is mandated by the coach everyday, the players have access to the stimulator throughout the week. Zheng aspires for an indoor putting space to practice a variety of skills.
“Anticipated snow for the rest of [the] week interrupts our practice one more time… Converting one of the almost vacant squash courts into an indoor putting studio would be beneficial. This idea efficiently utilizes space and allows the team to practice vital putting skills needed for success,” wrote Zheng.
All-Gender Golf will face off against Tabor Academy away this Saturday.
