North Montgomery boys golf had its best season in recent memory a season ago in 2023. The Chargers claimed their first ever Sagamore Conference title and placed second at the sectional. It was a dream season for coach Bob Ryker and his team, but that team was led by an outstanding senior class that is no longer with the team this season. Hayden Turner, Drew Norman, Haze Kashon were three of the top five for the Chargers a year ago.
North Montgomery does return a pair from its lineup with Neal Jeffrey and Alex Chapman. Along with those two will be some familiar names to Charger fans who are taking up golf this spring. Kelby Harwood is doubling up his spring sports by also joining the Chargers this year while also running track. Beckett Martin comes over from baseball. Jackson Grundy and Rohen Barnes also are new to the Chargers and Ryker notes how he’s excited to see many newcomers to this years team.
“We are looking forward to this season,” Ryker said. “We bring back some players from last year’s team, including key players, Neal Jeffery and Alex Chapman. Jackson Grundy and Rohen Barnes will be important players this year for us as well. We have rostered a lot of new players this year. I believe these new additions will really help the team achieve some goals they have set. Obviously losing 3three of the top five will be tough. We’re losing the reigning conference and sectional champion in Hayden Turner. Drew Norman and Haze Kashon are big losses as well. Those three really set the expectation for this program. The coaching staff plans to continue to build off of last year’s success thanks to those seniors.”
Ryker throughout his time at the helm of the Charger golf program has continually preached that he wants his teams to get better every meet and in every practice. That mindset is still at the forefront of his message this season as the Chargers are getting set to tee off for the first time.
“We are looking to compete this year,” Ryker said. “I want to see improvement every match, every tournament, and every practice. The guys have been putting in the work early and are eager to get the season rolling.”
North Montgomery tees off their 2024 season tonight when the Chargers welcome Fountain Central to Rocky Ridge. Other key dates on the golf calendar include April 20th when the Chargers will compete in the Southmont Invite. The Sagamore Conference meet is on May 11 back at Rocky Ridge with the Chargers also getting to host the county meet this season on May 23.
