In a town with so many golf courses, it’s amazing that more golfers aren’t trying out and participating in the Virgin Valley High School’s golf program.

This year’s boy’s team is being led by Wolf Creek Golf Course Assistant Golf Professional Josh Tyrell, who wasn’t born a golfer, but grew to love the sport.

“I didn’t grow up in a family that appreciated golf as much as I do,” he said. “I had to learn everything by myself by reading books, attending seminars and most of all, making friends with good players and professionals. I decided to get into the golf business and become a PGA member with the help of some local PGA Professionals near my house. It wasn’t until I came to work at Wolf Creek that I found myself totally immersed in the glamorous world of golf.”

It was when the opening for the coaching position with VVHS came open that Tyrell found his chance to share his passion with others. “I couldn’t be happier with the decision I made to help lead this golf team. We have a lot of talent and potential and it’s my belief that we will be successful if we stay dedicated and continue to work hard.” With new uniforms and a new coach, the only choice for the team was to go up.

With three tournaments down already this season, the golfers are working hard to hone their skills and reach the top of the leader boards each week.

Hogan Fowles

Hogan Fowles

Keani Munford

Keani Munford

At the March 18 meet at Boulder Creek, Sophomore Hogan Fowles came in second as well as placing fifth the following week at Wildhorse Golf Course in Henderson on March 25. His teammate, Keani Munford, a Senior, tied for second at that tournament, showing promise for the program with Tyrell at the helm.

The two are joined by five other golfers; Chris Cannon, Brayden Johnson and Jacobey Flores who are all Sophomores; Nathan Hulet, a Freshman; and Sam Burton, a Junior.

The team will play again today at Boulder City before bringing the matches home for a tournament on Tuesday, April 14 at Falcon Ridge Golf Course.

“I couldn’t be more happy and excited to be a part of this team and to help each boy reach his maximum potential,” said Tyrell. “The thing is, golf is not as easy to fix and change to get immediate results. We need some time to make swing changes, incorporate some new thinking into course management, and building strength to be able to compete at our optimum level. But with the dedication of the boys and their animosity to become better, time may just be on our side.”

The rest of the season will remain challenging for the team as they head back to Las Vegas on April 21 before returning to The Palms Golf Course for Moapa Valley High School’s hosting match play on April 23 and a final match at River’s Edge in Needles, Calif. on April 30.

According to Coach Tyrell, Munford and Fowles will more than likely play at Regionals in Las Vegas next month. If either of them advances, they will have a chance to play for the State Title in Reno.

(Other teammates who are not pictured are Nathan Hulet and Sam Burton.)

Brayden Johnson

Brayden Johnson

Jacobey Flores

Jacobey Flores

Chris Cannon

Chris Cannon