In the 2026 season, players on NPHS’ boys’ golf team have returned with more experience and a sense of self-motivation and connection. With a roster of many upperclassmen and a stronger commitment to practice outside of school, the team has seen noticeable improvement with an overall record of nine wins, three losses and zero ties.
For Aidan Peters, junior, each season of golf is an opportunity for improvement. Peters reflects back on the changes made from last season to the present. “I think everyone on the team [has] matured in their own ways, and everyone practices on their own time, as well,” Peters said. “I think that’s all just coming together.”
Peters believes that the team’s coach, Greg Ropes, has played an important role in supporting the team. “He’s great. He drives the van everywhere and he’s definitely [also] there for emotional support,” Peters said. “He tries to help everyone.”
In the future, Peters hopes to continue his passion of playing golf professionally. “Luckily, I’ve had good experience growing up playing in junior tours to [where] I have a good understanding of what it takes to actually play professional golf,” Peters said. “I’ve played in professional tournaments now, so just trying to keep moving towards that end goal, which is playing [professionally].”
Nicholas Pagano, junior, was introduced to playing golf at the suggestion of a family member. “My grandpa got me interested in golf, so I tried out for golf because I quit baseball,” Pagano said. “My grandpa is definitely my biggest supporter.”
Pagano recalled the words of encouragement his grandfather gave him. “He tells me [to] not be an idiot,” Pagano said.
Pagano’s approach to playing golf is one of simplicity. “I [just] stay relaxed. I have my routine for each shot, but it’s important that I [also] stay focused,” Pagano said.
Team dynamics off of the golf course are also important to the players, as Pagano notes. “We’re all really close. Especially the top four [players], since we’re all juniors,” Pagano said. “We all just go play together.”
The aspect of golf that Pagano most enjoys is its element of individuality. “[Golf] is not so reliant on the team, but it’s still a team sport,” Pagano said.
Former baseball player and current golf competitor, Matthew Klinger, junior, has grown a passion for golf at NPHS. “I began with [playing] baseball, but then my friend started playing [golf],” Klinger said. “Soon enough, I tried [golf] out and then I ended up liking it more than baseball. So, I quit baseball, joined golf and made the team.”
Klinger also appreciates the individual aspect of golf. “It’s a singular [sport]. It’s yourself versus everyone else,” Klinger said.
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