Whitehall enters the season with some veteran experience, led by three juniors who played in last season's regional meet. The Vikings do have the tall task of replacing their top two scorers - Brady Tate and Royce Freed - who each graduated.
Jones McDowell, Finn Novy and Rylan Johnson are back as starters, and the Vikings also get a boost with the return of William Burger, who didn't play his junior season but returns as a senior. He was a 2024 starter and should help the Vikings post good scores.
Another boost could come from Gabe Gilbert, a first-year player who "shows great promise," coach Bill Borgman said. Dominic Puehler, in his second season, has put in a lot of offseason work that he hopes pays off this spring. Rounding out the roster is Kellan Mikaelsen, who will vie for one of the six spots in the regular varsity lineup.
In all, 19 players came out for the Vikings' golf team, including 10 underclassmen, so Borgman should be able to field a full JV lineup, which will help get players seasoned and ready for the varsity level.
The Vikings' goal is a top-3 finish in the competitive West Michigan Conference Lakes.
"With other teams bringing back several players, we will need to step up our play," Borgman said.
In addition to the packed league schedule, the Vikings will also participate in the GMAA tournament, set for Chase Hammond Golf Course this year, as well as the Montague Invitational at Old Channel Trail.
