The Potomac Falls varsity golf team significantly improved to make it to states for the first time in 16 years

For the past three years, Coach Jeff Hawes has built up a team of solid golf players. All season long, the players worked hard to make it all the way to states for the first time since 2002. For many, this was their first time making it past the district tournament.

“I was very happy for our kids when we made it to regionals, especially for our seniors who have been a part of our program, which has slowly improved since their freshman year,” said Hawes.

The last time the golf team made it to states and won was in 2002. After the win,  Hawes took a break for 13 years to spend more time with his family. Once his two kids got older, he decided to return as a coach for the team, which includes his oldest son, Hayden.

“Coach Hawes inspired me to take the extra step to better myself in golf and work at my game, along with the help of my private coach. We have made many improvements [this season],” said sophomore Alec Lewandowski.

For the seniors, this was their last chance to prove themselves. Senior Hayden Hawes knew that his last season would be the best chance for him and his team to make it to states. Out of the six playing in the regional tournament this season, four had never even competed in a regional tournament before.

“Over the previous seasons we kept improving drastically, but we had never even qualified for the regional tournament. It was an amazing feeling qualifying for the state tournament,” said Hawes, who just committed to playing golf next year at the collegiate level.

The regional tournament was played on the Bull Run golf course on Sep. 24. The team shot 305, which put them at second place in the tournament, and qualified them for states. Although regionals were a major accomplishment for the golf team, making it to states was always the goal.

“It felt great [to make it to regionals], but our goal is to make it to states and do well there,” said junior Carrter Morris.

The states tournament will be played in Richmond on Oct. 7. Rock Ridge High School placed first in the tournament, and will be accompanying the Potomac Falls golf team at states.