Cason Lanfear and Zach Kehoe, as well as the rest of the Bridgeport Bulls golf team watch senior Brady Mann compete in a playoff Tuesday at the UIL Class 4A state golf tournament. AUSTIN JACKSON | WCMESSENGER
I hope my daughter falls in love with golf. And if she does, I hope she plays the game like the Bridgeport Bulls golf team.
It’s not just because of their skill.
While covering the state tournament, I followed along, fully expecting to see some great golf. But I was struck by something else over the last few days.
Bridgeport Sophomore Aiden Green focuses on his next shot while closing out his round that led Bridgeport to consecutive state championships and an individual 4A title Tuesday at Legends Golf Course in Kingsland. AUSTIN JACKSON | WCMESSENGER
I didn’t see a single Bridgeport player lose control of their emotions as the pressure of the state championship fell on their shoulders.
Golf brings anger and frustration out in unattractive ways. When you have a bunch of teenagers competing against one another for a state title, it’s amplified.
I saw some slammed clubs, incredulous barks and slumped shoulders, but not from the Bridgeport kids.
Sure, they might talk to the ball in the air, will it left or right with their spine or grimace at lip outs. But it seemed to stop there, which is not normal. Then they focused on the next shot.
You can credit ball striking, short game and driving distance as essential elements for a great golfer. And these players from Bridgeport had all of that. I believe their mental strength is what set them apart — allowing them to set the team’s greatness in stone to the tune of two state championships in two years — while bringing home individual medals in the process.
Coach Alan Green and his wife, Kristy, watch their son, Aiden, close out his state tournament win Tuesday at Legends Golf Course in Kingsland. AUSTIN JACKSON | WCMESSENGER
These golfers played with a killer instinct, but they were also gracious and respectful to their opponents, their family and friends watching — and they were even kind to a couple dudes from the paper wagging around distracting cameras.
This team proved to me that you can both act like a shark and a dolphin at the same time. I think that’s a direct reflection of their coaches and their families.
So, if you’re looking for some role model athletes, there’s at least six great ones that are pretty salty at this golf thing in Bridgeport.
The Bridgeport Golf Squad huddles up after winning back-to-back state championships. AUSTIN JACKSON | WCMESSENGER
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