GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) -- As the spring season tees off, the Ottawa Hills boys’ golf team is quietly positioning itself as a contender in the conference. Under the guidance of fifth-year coach Ben Hart, expectations are high for a young but eager squad.
“We’re going to be a dark horse this year,” Hart said. “They’re not expecting what’s to come.”
Known for his deep experience in the sport, Hart brings a lifetime of golf knowledge to the program. He played four years of varsity golf at Olivet College before spending twelve years in the professional golf industry. Now, what truly excites him about coaching at Ottawa Hills is the chance to build from scratch.
“I like teaching beginners and building from the ground up,” Hart said. “All of the student-athletes have been super receptive and eager to learn. They take coaching as it should be and are ready to play.”
Hart hopes the team will continue to develop beyond just technique.
“Mentality, confidence, and more enjoyment for the game are the areas I’m looking to see improve throughout the season,” he noted.
The Bengals’ roster features eight players, including juniors Brennan Workman and Levi Kuiper and sophomore Alan Bahena-Quintana. Each brings unique goals to the team. Workman, who has been golfing for six years total, aims to shoot even par throughout the season while strengthening his mental game. Kuiper is focusing on “bogie golf,” improving his mentality, and snagging three birdies. Bahena-Quintana hopes to average 40 for nine holes and achieve multiple birdies this year.
Golf’s mental demands are not lost on the players. Kuiper relies on deep breathing during tense moments, while Workman uses breathing exercises and a “goldfish mentality” to stay focused. Strengths on the team vary: Kuiper excels with wedges, Bahena-Quintana with irons, and Workman with chipping.
Despite their relative youth, the Bengals share a unified goal: to place higher than last year in a couple of jamborees. With Coach Hart’s guidance and a motivated roster, Ottawa Hills is ready to surprise the conference and earn long-awaited respect.
“We have a super young team that wants to get better, and we’ll surprise a lot of people this year,” Hart said. “I’m super excited for the season.”
