Schwartzkopf takes first

Only one member of the Saratoga High School (SHS) golf team went to Douglas for last week’s golf tournament, and he walked away with first place.

Braxton Schwartzkopf shot a 77 on the only day of the tournament which was shortened due to weather. The next closest golfers both shot 79.

“I just played really solid golf the whole day,” Schwartzkopf said. He said he had a couple of birdies that helped and he made the shots he needed to. This was Schwartzkopf’s first win of the season.

As far as Daubner knows, all of the boys will participate in next week’s tournament in Lusk. He is having the team play the course in Saratoga to keep them comfortable with their game.

“It’s tough, you’ve got three days to work with them, so you can’t barrage them with a bunch of swing thoughts,” Daubner said. With the older players, Daubner works on the same things he has for the last couple of years. With the newer boys it is more about etiquette, rules and the short game, especially putting.

With Schwartzkopf, Daubner works on the swing a little more. Daubner said with the experience Schwartzkopf has he can make adjustments to his swing more readily.

In general, Daubner is happy with the progress of the Panther’s golf team. In particular, Chaze Wiant is making some goals, which was evident by his second round under 100 in Lander two weeks ago. Daubner said that shows the other boys the goals are achievable.

As for the last two tournaments of the season, Daubner said “I’m looking for a three-peat ... out of (Schwartzkopf).” The hope is that Schwartzkopf will take home wins from Lusk and the state tournament in Worland.

When asked about what areas of his game he needs to be aware of in order to be successful in the next two weeks Schwartzkopf said, “I just need to make my putts.” He said the short game is what he needs to focus on to make sure he doesn’t come up with any big numbers.

Next for SHS golfers is the Lusk tournament on Friday.