While the team may be light on players, two returning athletes are primed to face the competition this spring for Mehlville’s boys’ golf squad: Senior Mickey Barrett and junior Cole Daily.

Team-wise, the Panthers finished 3-5 last season, but with limited golfers this season, the outlook is a bit different for head coach Steve Kress.

“Unfortunately, we are very light on players for team scores,” Kress said. “But, as individuals, the two returning players (Barrett and Daily) have a good chance of shooting some low scores. I think a good goal for us is to keep it fun and play smart.”

There will be some new players hitting the links this season: Sam Lopez and Nolan Ladd moved up to the varsity level for Mehlville.

“Sam Lopez has made great progress,” Kress said. “He played JV (junior varsity) last year, has worked hard and will be ready for varsity as No. 3 golfer.”

For Ladd, his swing has gotten better and Kress expects that it will only continue to improve with experience.

“Nolan Ladd played JV last year,” Kress said. “He has a nice swing and will only get better into next year. Nolan will play in a couple JV scrambles and will see a lot of varsity action.”

A big positive for Kress is that the golfers he has are all easy to work with.

“They have a hard work ethic,” he said. “They are very coachable golfers. They all enjoy a good competition.”

 When it comes to expectations, Kress said Barrett and Daily have a shot to do big things this season.

“I think from an individual perspective, Barrett and Daily have a chance to qualify for state,” he said. “Golf is one of those games where you hope you’re shooting low at districts, and it’s nice if a few things go your way with the shots.”

The team will also get a chance to play a new course this season, as Mehlville will play at the Notre Dame Tournament at Dalhousie Golf Club.

“We entered the Notre Dame tournament at Dalhousie Golf Club which will be fun,” Kress said. “A new course for the players is exciting.”

Despite having small numbers, Kress said the team continues to work hard to prepare for the season.

“We realize we have a small team,” he said. “Our top three golfers have put the time in since last year. I know they’re coming into this season with a better skill set.”