The Aberdeen Christian boys’ golf team returns a relatively young group, but bolstered by some upperclassmen this spring, as the Knights look to improve after gaining experience last season.

The Knights return several of their top golfers from a year ago and coach Tyler Pridey says he wants each golfer to enjoy the game.

“We’ve got quite a few guys that still have not played the game for too long, so for me personally I just want them to get a good basis of the game and frankly just enjoy playing golf,” Pridey said. “Beyond that, there will be a couple of kids that could maybe qualify individually to play at state.”

One of the Knights top returners will be sophomore Ellis Russell. Pridey said he expects Russell to compete for a state tournament spot.

“I would say at the moment Ellis Russell has a good chance,” Pridey said. “He’s got some experience from being on the team last year. He’s played in a couple of tournaments.”

Seniors Ethan Russell and Abe Holscher are out for golf this year, and along with freshman Jett Johnson, will also be golfers to watch for the Knights this season. Pridey’s expectations are for all four to shoot in the 90-100 range, and possibly hitting as low as the upper 80’s for scores.

Despite not having any returning state qualifiers, Pridey noted that it will be up to each of the individuals as to what they can achieve.

“All my guys are pretty athletic, but unfortunately golf is so difficult,” Pridey said. “We haven’t had much of a season already to get them prepared, so it will certainly be up to them individually, workwise, how much they put into it, and see what they can get out of it.”

The weather has impacted the beginning of the golf season as it has in other spring sports across the region and state. Pridey said due to the wet conditions, he is already looking ahead to May for golf meets.

“We’ve basically had every tournament we’ve wanted to play in be canceled in April, so we’re looking at our season pretty much starting in May,” Pridey said.

Once golf meets are able to take place, Pridey says he will be excited to get the team on the golf course and give the Knights a chance to compete.

“Right away, if we’re lucky, our first meet is actually conference,” Pridey said. “May 4 is conference at Rolling Hills right here in Aberdeen, so I’ll be anxious to get the guys out there. Unfortunately, we’ve gotta throw them into the fire right away.”

Pridey says there may be a chance to compete at a meet in Faulkton in April, but that is still to be determined.

After completing his first season as head coach last year, Pridey says he is more experienced when it comes to knowing what to expect and relaying those expectations to the kids.

“When you’re trying to help kids play in a golf tournament that don’t have too much experience, there’s a lot of info to give them, just so that they’re ready and you’re not throwing them in there completely unprepared, because that just adds to the anxiety of golf being hard, as it is already,” Pridey said. “I would say, just on my end, just knowing what Class B golf is like, and just doing the necessary things so that when they step on the tee box, they know what to expect.”

Above all, Pridey says he wants the kids to enjoy their time on the golf course this season.

“More than anything, I want the kids to have fun and just enjoy learning,” Pridey said.