Plains golf team optimistic despite low turnout

Good things can come in small packages. In the case of the 2025 Plains High golf team, that could be a motto this year as just four players turned out for the combined boys’ and girls’ teams.

And two of them are newcomers. 

A daunting challenge for Plains head coach Lisa Brown? 

Depends on your perspective. If winning a state title is your sole objective, Plains is short the number of players needed to qualify for team honors. 

Fortunately for the Horseman/Trotters, Brown sees the big picture. 

“We have one boy and three girls golfing this year,” said Brown, who is also involved in the Little Guy program, and it’s end of season tournament, as well as a local hunter education program. “Some of last year’s golfers are playing baseball this year, others are working and do not have the time to commit to playing golf, which is perfectly understandable”. 

The team will also be without graduates like Drew Carey, a mainstay of the team the last few years. 

This is an attitude that should be present in all coaches, not to mention a great work ethic. 

Of the four players who came out for golf, three are freshmen and one is a sophomore. 

“We are relatively young,” coach Brown said. “Eleanor Babb and Cheyenne Littel Whirlwind are our returning golfers from last year.  Grace Subatch and Jarrett Weeks are our two new golfers”. 

Brown said the team has been working hard to “get their swings in the groove”.  Many of those practices have been in the school gym as Montana spring weather has forced most golfers off the links. 

Still, Brown remains optimistic. 

“The weather has not been particularly cooperative for practice outdoors,” she said. “We were able to get out to the course one day last week. We are all very excited about the season”. 

Brown will be assisted this year by returning coaches Max Bebb and Rob Steenerson, both of whom Brown said, “bring great attitudes and a passion for the game of golf, which makes it fun for the kids”. 

Attitude and passion for the game of golf pretty much sum up the approach this season, which is scheduled to begin today (April 1).  The team hosts the annual Plains Invitational April 11 at Wild Horse Golf Course just north of Plains.