The Bobcats golf season is underway and head coach Jarod Rush says the team has already encountered some tests due to course conditions and weather.

“Practice has been a challenge this spring,” Rush said. “Arnold sands the greens before winter to protect them, but usually the snow and rain washes that in. With no moisture the sand is still thick on the greens.”

Add in the wind and it’s a perfect storm of difficult practice time, meaning course conditions are just a couple of weeks behind schedule.

“We have spent most of our time working on our short game,” Rush said. “We are hoping to get some holes played and long iron work in this week.”

The South Loup golf team has seven players out this spring, including letter winners Colbi Smith, Grant Hrupek and Dylan Handley.

“Colby is a two-time state qualifier and an excellent leader,” Rush said. “We look for him to set the tone and be a contender at each meet.”

Matthew Mannon, Joey Sallach, Brady Brestel and Carleigh Laible round out the 2022 Bobcats golf team.

The Bobcats’ first meet of the season at Prairie Hills north of Kearney was canceled due to course conditions.

The team will compete at Stapleton on March 31.

The Bobcats will host the South Loup Invitational on April 8, pending course conditions at the Arnold Country Club.

Rush said he was excited to watch the younger golfers improve as the season progresses, as well as seeing the top-five make a run at the MNAC title this year.

“Last year, Hyannis won that honor with the Bobcats finishing a close second,” he said.

Ultimately, Rush said he was looking forward to a good season of golf for his team.

“Hopefully the weather will shape up and the season will be an enjoyable experience for our kids,” he said.

The March 31 Stapleton Invite will begin at 10 a.m.

South Loup Golf: Spring 2022 Schedule

March 31 - @ Stapleton - 10 a.m.

April 8 - South Loup Invite - Arnold - 10 a.m.

April 14 - @ Hershey Invite - 10 a.m.

April 21 - @ Sandhills-Thedford @ Thedford - 10 a.m.

April 25 - JV Triangular @ Arnold - 3:30 p.m.

April 28 - MNAC Golf @ Arnold - 10 a.m.

April 29 - JV @ Mullen - 2 p.m.

April 29 - Varsity @ Overton - 9 a.m.

May 5 - @ St. Pat’s - 9 a.m.

May 11 - @ Mullen - 11 a.m.

May 16 - District Golf - North Platte

May 24-25 - State Golf - North Platte