Vocals teacher Matthew Hanson is the new boys’ and girls’ golf coach for the 2016-2017 season.
“I have a great passion for the game and have always wanted to get involved with the school team since I started working here in 2012,” Hanson said.
Though Hanson is new to the school golf team, he is not new to the game, with six years of experience and enjoyment of the sport.
“This is the first time I have coached a team but not the first time I have worked with
student golfers,” Hanson said. “I have worked with a program called The First Tee of Greensboro as well.”
Becoming the golf coach broadens Hanson’s ability to meet more students.
“This job provides a great chance to get to know other students in the school, have more responsibility at Northwood and yes, golf is fun,” Hanson said. “I love getting the chance to share such a great game with our students week in and week out.
Though Hanson has never been a part of Northwood’s golf team, he is excited to start.
“I love that no two shots are the same,” Hanson said. “It’s a constant challenge but also one of the most gratifying feelings when you hit a great drive, stick the green close to the hole or sink a 30-foot putt. I love that you cannot blame anyone but yourself. It’s just you, your club, the ball and the course.”
Golfers miss great amounts of school, but according to Hanson and junior Gordon Brann, there is logical reasoning behind it.
“Golf only misses for Monday matches during the season and usually only third and fourth periods,” Hanson said.
“The matches usually take two hours if playing nine holes, or four hours if playing 18, therefore we have to leave school early so that it doesn’t get dark on us,” Brann said.
Brann expresses his love for the sport due to its difference from other sports.
“Golf is calm, but the mental challenge that you get is my favorite aspect,” Brann said.
Hanson intends to improve the team’s physical and mental skill and feel for the course.
“I plan to offer great instruction to all players by analyzing their swings, working through weaker areas of the game and focusing on course management,” Hanson said.
Hanson has enjoyed coaching so far and is looking forward to continue for years to come.
“I have no plans on leaving anytime soon,” Hanson said. “I plan to be the coach for the foreseeable future for both the boys’ and girls’ team.”
Despite Brann being newly acquainted with Hanson, he is excited to begin the season with him as the new coach.
“I can’t say I don’t miss both of our old coaches, but I really like Mr. Hanson; I think he’s going to be a great new coach,” Brann said.
– By Jessie Craig
