Ronan golfers ready for season

RONAN — Ronan boys and girls teed off the season with a duel against Polson which provided them the opportunity to put their skills to the test after a summer of practicing at Mission Mountain Country Club.

Coach Pat Williams said that four boys and five girls worked at the course over the summer.

"When they weren't working, they were playing," Williams said. "They put a lot of hours in."

Except for Jimmy Michel, who graduated, most of the team is back, including William Foust and Josh Grenier, both of whom contributed in getting the boys fourth place last year at divisionals.

"They're very strong. If they don't shoot in the 70s they're upset," Williams said.

Foust said his goal is to put up two good scores at state in Whitefish this year — although that will only happen if he gets his nerves under control, he explained.

"I want to be a little more aggressive this year," he said. "I don't want to get nervous."

He shot a 64 at the pro junior at MMCC this summer. He said he hopes to continue shooting that well throughout the year.

Williams is also putting his chips on returning players Chris Starkel and Josh McGreevey who Williams estimates will be some of his top players this year.

As for the girls, Williams is eyeing freshman Jordan Strozzi as the team's new young talent.

"She's looking very good," he said.

The confident Strozzi rated her golfing skills a seven out of 10. She is bringing four years of golfing experience with her and she hopes to be an asset to her team.

Returning this year is Lindsey Cornelius who missed going to state by two spots.

"I plan on being more consistent," she said.

"I get a lot of good shots but they fall apart. My scores went down (over the summer) but I still see a lot of improvement along the way."

Though she was absent last year due to a knee injury, Shala Couture is back swinging.

"She's hitting the ball really well," Williams said. "She could very well be in the top 10."

As expected, Whitefish is the team to beat.

"They're the team to beat," he said. "They're a machine."

However, his team has had plenty of practice over the summer and with some key players returning,

Williams is confident that Ronan boys and girls golf will be above par.