A slight breeze in an odd direction, a rainstorm the night before, a cough from a crowd member. Small things, yes. But these small things can have big impacts in the sport of golf.

Golf is more of an individual sport, making it arguably more mentally challenging than other sports. Having a teammate to pass to or assist makes it easier for players in sports like soccer and football to feel like they aren’t alone on the field.

“I think it’s just because you’re always by yourself, it’s more of a mental challenge than anything.” Alexander Pendry, a junior currently leading the boys varsity team, said.

But this can also help Oviedo’s golf players, allowing them to take responsibility for all aspects of their play from the initial drive to the meticulous putts.

“You have no excuses, it’s really on you. You don’t have anyone to blame other than yourself,” Pendry said.

Pendry gets this mentality from his coach.

“I don’t like excuses. Whenever they tell me it’s hot or the course is wet, I tell them ‘everyone is playing it, guys,’” Howell said.

Coach Howell has been coaching golf for seven years. While he didn’t play during high school, Coach Howell has always been a good golf player and loved the game.

As a coach, he focuses on more than just the playing. He also focuses on mindset, including sports psychology. Coach Howell gives his players a thick packet every year. This packet has information on the breakdown of sports psychology within golf, it has questions for players to answer, and it has answers to many moods and struggles the players could go through. The packet is broken down into chapters, with chapter reviews at the end of each one.

Caleb Anderson, a senior and another top scorer on the team, also enjoys the independent aspect of golf.

“I find it fun to be out in nature and really get to focus,” said Anderson.

Oviedo High School’s boys’ golf team has learned how to transcend the nuances that make golf difficult. They aren’t perfect, but they’ve added some tips and tricks to their back pockets over the years. Mainly, the members of the boys’ golf team know one thing from their seasoned coach.

“Everyone has to play the same course that you just have to. We just have to deal with it,” Anderson said. Pendry echoed the exact same sentiment.

Oviedo High School’s boy’s golf team has had a strong start to their season, and has even had a consistent three strong players to lead each meet. These players, Alexander Pendry, Caleb Anderson, and Tre Dahm, have shown their steady strength each match and their ability to adapt to different courses.

On Friday, the Boys team finished the West Orange Invitational second, scoring 299, Oviedo’s lowest score ever. This historic performance placed the Lions at 9th in the state of Florida. This ranking came as a shock to some of the players, despite the work they have put in.

“I didn’t realize we were that good, so I was really excited when Coach texted us letting us know,” Pendry said.

Every year showcases a different team at Oviedo with transfers, incoming freshmen, and the loss of the previous year’s seniors, and this year’s team was ready.

“I think a lot of the guys have a lot of experience, we’ve all played together for three years now.” Alexander Pendry said. Pendry even placed third individually at the record-breaking match at West Orange.

With highly experienced players, players who are used to working together, and a lot of hard work, this team was able to make history.

“It felt good. We’ve been working all summer, practicing, and we practice every day. It paid off,” Anderson said.

Howell agrees with his players. “I’ve watched these kids since they were freshmen, and how hard they’ve worked. It’s hot outside, and it takes a lot of hours on the golf course to get good. It’s been fun watching them finally get the recognition for what they’ve done,” Howell said.