Panther golf features two quality players

BY JIM MISUNAS
jmisunas@gbtribune.com

Great Bend golfers Nash Lindberg, Ethan Somers competed at regionals in 2023. Lindberg birdied Nos. 16 and 18 for a 4-over-par 39 to battle into state contention at Smoky Hill Country Club after nine holes. However, Lindberg placed 21st and carded a 20-over-par 56 on the front nine to finish with a 95 to miss qualifying by four strokes. Somers shot 97 to place 23rd.

“Nash has always hit it straight consistently especially with his driver,” said Great Bend coach Steve Wolf. “With Nash and Ethan, scoring will be consistent contact with irons and short game development. A focus will be 100 yards and in.

“Ethan made an adjustment to his takeaway,” Wolf said. “I see him having a good year. I’m excited to see where Ethan’s gams is coming out of basketball.” 

Wolf wants the Panthers to battle for a top three finish in the Western Athletic and have players contend for a 5A state berth.

“I see Nash and Ethan in the mix for All-WAC honors and qualifying for state,” Wolf said. “They need to keep improving, but it’s something to accomplish. We’ll need patience to get players ready for conference meets and regionals.”

Wolf said the other players will contend for varsity spots.

“We have inexperienced players, so we’re used time to review fundamentals with grip, stance, chipping, and putting,” he said. “Our basketball players are most of our experienced golfers. We’ve worked on the range and on the putting green.”

Wolf said everyone can contend for varsity playing time.

“We’ll see if the shots on the range and chipping and putting at practice carry to the course with something on the line,” Wolf said. 

With young golfers, there’s always potential for future success.

“I’m pleased with what we have for the future,” he said. “We’ve got freshmen with potential that we get four years to develop. We hit good shots that need to be consistent. The ability is there. The guys want to learn and get better as players.”

PANTHER ROSTER

SENIORS—Kaiden Hoffman, Cooper Liles, Cadin Spore, Carter Young

JUNIORS—Keaton Wahlmeier, Donovan Gosa

SOPHOMORES— Ethan Somers (REG 97, 23RD), Cory Kuhn, Zach Hart, Nash Lindberg (REG 95, 21ST); Jacob Hall

NINTH-GRADERS—Quinton Buzard, Caleb Collins, Garrett Dalton, Dylon Kalivoda, Keegen Robyler, Trenton Rowe, Eli Somers

PANTHER GOLF

4-11—at Newton; at Dodge City JV; 4-15—*at Hays; 4-18—*at Dodge City; at Hesston JV; 4-19—at Salina; 4-25—at Russell, Garden City; 4-27—at Russell/Garden City; 4-29—*Lake Barton; 5-2—at Dodge City JV; 5-7—*at Liberal; 5-13—at 5A regional