It’s only August, and the Tecumseh golf team is already off to a blazing start.  Almost as blazing as the weather outside.
The Arrows have placed well in their three 18-hole events last week, placing third in all three events, and serving notice that the Arrows will be a force to reckon with as the season progresses.

“We are a young team on paper, but these kids are very competitive,” said Tecumseh golf coach Matt Ehlinger.  We have some good older kids playing well, and are fortunate to have a couple of younger kids stepping up already for us.”
After opening the season with the CBC pre-season tournament, where the Arrows finished fifth, they came back in the 18-team field at the Scott Homan Invitational in Piqua and shot a 317 team score.
“Anytime you shoot under 320 as a team, you are shooting a good number,” Ehlinger said.  
They returned the next day with a 315 at the Fairmont event at Larch Tree, competing against several top Division One schools.  Finally, last Wednesday, Tecumseh fired a 325 at a very tough Darby Creek course at Fairbanks, finishing third, seven shots behind the winner.
“We need to take that next step, and feel what winning an event is actually like,” Ehlinger said, noting that the Arrows have never won an event since he has been here coaching.
The success starts with the seniors, including the Arrows’ top golfer Scott Rogers.  The four year varsity player and two-time all-league golfer is ready for his biggest year to date.
“He has really worked on his game this summer, and has set some goals for himself,” Ehlinger said.  “He wants to play college golf, and he is the anchor for us.  We expect him to shoot in the 30s everytime out, and be very steady.”
Kyle Jeffers is the other senior, a three year varsity player.  According to the Arrows coach, he has also improved, and the all-league player is being counted on also.
The lone junior is Matt Hayden, who comes over to the golf team from cross country.
“This is his first year of competitive golf,” Ehlinger said.  “He will be learning what this level is about and I am looking for him to improve.”
Brad Rogers leads the sophomore group, as he played varsity last year as a freshman.  He is the third man so far for the Arrows according to Ehlinger.
“He broke 80 for the first time in a tourney for us this year, so he has improved,” he said.
Also, Patrick Snarr rounds out the sophomores on varsity, as his story is one very unique according to Ehlinger.
“He started out as a left-handed golfer, and came to me about switching to the other side,” he said.  “He has made some big improvements with the help he has gotten.”
Key freshman to watch are Cam Wardley, Conner Estes and Brandon Pursifull.
“All three freshman have played well for us this year so far,” Ehlinger said.
Tecumseh returns to the links with the 9-hole events starting August 23.