Swinging Into Golf Season

The 2022 Fair Grove High School golf season is coming into full swing. This year, Robert Schoonover, Middle School Special Education teacher, is Fair Groves new golf coach. Around nine students are predicted to be joining the team. 

This is Schoonover’s second year in education, but first year coaching golf at a school. “It’s actually my first “official” coaching position, although I have coached for family members and other leagues in the past. I cannot wait to get started,” shared Schoonover.

The Fair Grove golf team has had state records in the past. Alumni, Gavin Peterie and Thomas Bruemmer qualified for state on May 8 of 2018. 

Schoonover expressed his anticipation for his upcoming coaching position. He explained, “I am most excited to have fun with the players and see how they grow as golfers and students throughout the season. I think they will be surprised with how much they will improve in just a few short months.” 

Before being asked to coach golf at Fair Grove, Schoonover had a lifelong appreciation of golf himself. “I have been around golf all of my life. My dad played golf in college, and my grandpa and uncle have coached golf for decades. I love the game and have played since I was young. In high school I worked at golf courses so I played for free all year, and in college I would play when I could,” stated Schoonover.

Schoonover has several things he loves about golf. He shared, “I love how you can play golf all of your life, and never quit noticing how much you can improve. Even the best players on tour are always improving their game and trying new things. No matter if you are just beginning or have been playing for 30 years, you can always get better.”

On March 24 the official start to the golf season will begin with a tournament at Ledgestone hosted by Reed Springs. Senior Josh Orr will be competing in the tournament. Orr has been practicing for the upcoming season. “I’ve been preparing by going to big shots and when I get some free time playing 9 at “The Greens” in Springfield,” shared Orr.

Being around golf his whole life, Orr added his favorite memory of his golf career and how he got to where he is today. He stated, “I’ve been playing golf practically on and off my whole life. It all started when I was with my papa and dad at Stewart’s Par-3 course. A good memory would probably be last year on a Par-3 Island green, hitting my first shot within a foot of the pin.”

Orr ended with what his favorite thing about golf is. He shared, “Personally I love the bonding and maturity it can bring to a person.”

The Fair Grove Golf team made a goal this year to make first team all district and all conference, while also placing in the many tournaments they will participate in.