Swedes Golf: A Season to Remember

BY: Cat Toerber November 2, 2022

LINDSBORG, KS- “Bethany Golf taught me how to appreciate being a part of a team, even as an individual sport. Even though it’s an individual sport, we have learned how to play for each other,” says Senior golfer, Zach Willard. The 2022 Bethany Swedes Golf season was nothing short of successful. With a great amount of leadership present on the men and women’s team, the Bethany Golf team grew on and off the course. The 2022 team welcomed back seniors Zach Willard, Connor Larkin, and Martin Hyvarinen for the men’s team. All three of these men contributed each meet and had a very successful individual season. On the women’s side, Ida Lihufvudh returned for another positive 2022 golf season.

Not only did previous golfers contribute to the 2022 season, but there were numerous freshmen that brought new talent and excitement to the team. For the women Brooke Norman, a freshman from Texas performed positively all season long. On the men’s side, Ludvig Anderson from Sweden, and Mads Hasenschwandtner from Denmark, both had a very solid season and look to have positive futures for the Swedes.

While the 2022 Golf Season seemed to be a high in itself for the men and women’s teams, it is no question that the true highlight of the season was the men and women’s teams both qualifying for the final tournament in Dallas, Texas. The men and women both secured a top 5 traveling spot for the final tournament. Although the teams did not finish as good as they had hoped, they had to battle tough weather the entire weekend. Weather seemed to be a constant battle this season. Most of the time, golfers were battling rain, wind, and a mixture of hot and cold weather at tournaments.

Throughout the entire year, the entire golf team experienced growth on and off the course. Each player was able to connect and build relationships with their teammates. Led by first year head coach Zach Able, the golf team had a great fall season. “For a such a last-minute change, I think that Coach Able did a great job season leading the team,” says Zach Willard.

It is safe to say that the 2022 Fall Golf season was positive and successful for the Swedes. To prepare for the spring and next fall, the team is spending hours in the weightroom to prepare for their future endeavors. As senior golfer Zach Willard prepares to wrap up his career as a member of the Bethany Swedes Golf Team he says, “I hope that the team continues to remain competitive with each other. I hope they push each other to be the best golfer they all can be and that the Swedes continue to be a strong competitor in the KCAC.”