Wildcat golf looks to get back to state tournament

The fall 2025 season ended abruptly in unfamiliar territory for the Weston High School golf team, as the Wildcats failed to qualify for the MIAA state championship for the first time in over two decades.

Despite the bitter taste of a disappointing ending, Head Coach Mary O’Brien believes the 2026 team has what it takes to bring the program back to where she is used to it being.

“In some ways, it was disappointing,” said O’Brien. “It’s always a learning experience.”

Although the Wildcats didn’t reach the state championship competition, the team still took home a Dual County League title – and many athletes return this season for one more swing at a state championship.

“We have five seniors on the team this year,” said O’Brien. “Seeing them develop as players and individuals and take on the role of leaders is encouraging.”

The season started with four days of tryouts as O’Brien watched and started the process of formulating a potential starting lineup. She said early season practices are exciting, nerve-wracking and arduous for the athletes.

One reason the team didn’t get to where it wanted to go last season was because the players weren’t as match ready as they could have been, O’Brien said. In early season practices, there has been an emphasis on approach shots leading up to the putting green.

“No match is ever won from the tee,” said O’Brien. “You can bomb the ball, but if you can’t get onto the green, it’s problematic.”

When the team does practice hitting off of the tee, players work in pairs and ensure that everyone is hitting the ball with intent in terms of direction and distance.

Along with getting the chance to watch younger players entering the program for the first time, O’Brien said she enjoys seeing the way experienced players have developed their skills during the spring and summer months.

Four seniors were named captains after a team vote – Brode Kohler, Torben Valenta, Hayes Hanser and Matthew Tilton. O’Brien said each of the four had strong showings during tryouts and demonstrated leadership qualities.

Two sophomores, Max Harris and Cam Hipwood, are also showing great promise early on.

“I do think it will be a strong team,” said O’Brien. “We have a number of very good seniors and I’m hopeful that we will be successful.”

The Wildcats started their season by getting into the win column with a victory over Acton-Boxborough High School on the road, playing a course more familiar to their opponents.

Early signs have shown O’Brien that the Wildcats’ mental resilience will complement the team’s physical talent.

“They are good with their mentality – staying focused on the task at hand and keeping within the moment,” said O’Brien. “We aren’t letting a bad shot ruin the round. They recover well and are able to put mistakes behind them.”