Halifax Countys golf team entered the season looking to bring two things to the table: intent and purpose.
Head coach Chris Lacks knew if the Blue Comets could play with determination and resolution, they would have a successful season.
Halifax has been playing with both over its opening five matches and judging by the results, Lacks was right.
The Blue Comets shot a combined 306 to finish 13 strokes ahead of Magna Vista in their Piedmont District match Monday night at Danville Golf Club and pick up their fifth consecutive win to start the season.
If the five-match streak wasnt enough, Halifax hasnt just won, its won in dominating fashion with its margin of victory being in double digits for all but one match.
Its success Lacks credits to his team carrying out the preseason motto.
Weve had five matches and weve performed really well in all of them so far, were undefeated this season and were really proud of that, Lacks said. But I think its been our motto: to be purposeful and play with intent. Thats been my motto from the get-go, even at the parents meeting.
While its easy to set a theme, its another to carry it out. In order to do that, Lacks has been working with his players on an individual basis in order to tame the fickle sport known as golf.
Each individual has strengths and weaknesses, and we try to look at it on an individual basis like when were helping the kids because one kid might have trouble with their short game and another might have trouble with their long game or it could be back-and-forth because golf is a fickle game, so we try to work on things on an individual skill level, Lacks said.
Its not all Xs and Os with Lacks, though.
I think one thing Im trying to bring is not taking myself so seriously, Lacks said. Sometimes we take ourselves so seriously, it puts that extra weight on you, but I think these are some of the ways were trying to get through to the kids and have that purpose and intent. Its not a one size fits all kind of thing.
Seasoned golfers, practice makes perfect, parental support
In years past, Lacks has had a team consisting of mostly weekend golfers. Ones that treat the game more as a hobby than a sport.
Thats not the case this year as Lacks has a team full of seasoned golfers that have led the team to this point.
We have seasoned golfers this time and I cant tell you how strong that makes the program, Lacks said. Weve got guys that are playing year-round, playing tournaments outside the school realm. I cant tell you how excited I am to have what I call real golfers.
With a group of seasoned golfers comes a sense of responsibility, dedication and ownership that Lacks, and the Blue Comets havent had in a while.
Theyve put in the work, Lacks said. These guys are out there before practice, sometimes they stay after practice, sometimes theyre playing on the weekends and thats something to be excited about.
According to Lacks, the ownership and responsibility dont just come from the players.
Weve got so much support from the parents this year, he said. I cant say enough about the parent group this year. I appreciate that so much. I appreciate them getting them to matches, the summer tournaments they played in, all of that has led up to the success were having.
Leaders
JD Cunningham has been one of the Blue Comets biggest performers. According to Lacks, Cunninghams determination and quiet leadership is what makes him not only a dangerous player, but effective leader.
Every time that kid steps on the golf course, hes ready to play, so hes one of our leaders just by what he does on the golf course, Lacks said. One of the things I like about him is that he lets his clubs talk. Hes very soft-spoken in practice but he carries a big stick. Hes one of the guys that leads by example. He leads by example because hes always prepared and always working on something and we have the most interesting conversations over aspects of the golf swing.
Lacks also commented on the prowess of Lukas Newton and Jack Morgan.
I like their mindsets, they expect to play well and thats the mindset you have to have when youre out there, Lacks said. Thats a positive thing and everybody sees that determination they need to have through them.
Message to the fans
Following the Blue Comets Piedmont match Aug. 9, Lacks sent an email complimenting his teams grit in the face of adversity.
Luckily for Lacks and Halifax, it wasnt a one-time deal as the Blue Comets have shown their mettle in every match this season.
Its that grit Lacks wants the Halifax community to think of when thinking about his team this season.
When I see the kids out there grinding, sometimes if you play golf, it can wear you down and wear you out and sometimes you feel like the world is on top of you, Lacks said. And the aspect Im really trying to push is that I appreciate and respect the not giving up attitude. I like it when the kids get off to a bad start but they grind it out, have a good finish and kind of salvage the day and score for the team.
I think thats the big message and challenge is just to fight for every hole even when you feel like youre stacked up against everything. If youve had a bad hole or bad start, you cant give up and its that mentality weve got to stick with and remember.
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Comets golf bringing intent, purpose to links this season - YourGV.com