Golf tryouts this year saw an unexpected surge in interest, with 29 students showing up for a spot on the team roster — a considerable jump from previous seasons. For new head coach Rusty Oatman, the numbers surprised him.
“I was sort of surprised, actually,” he said. “My son played for the team a couple years ago, and they never had this many kids come out.”
While the turnout shocked some, the coach recalled his high school days, when golf was a popular sport. “We had a golf course literally next to our school, and the owner of the club actively promoted youth golf. Big tryouts were routine at that time,” Oatman said.
So, what is behind the sudden popularity boom?
Oatman admits there’s no single explanation. “I really can’t say what caused the explosion of interest in County’s golf team,” he said. “Although I’d like to think it’s the new head coach.”
Jokes aside, he credits a major cultural shift in how golf is consumed by young people today — particularly through social media and YouTube.
“Golf personalities like Good Good, Grant Horvat, Bryson DeChambeau, Bryan Bros, and Rick Shiels have made golf cool,” he said. “They’ve put a fun new energy into the game and kids are relating to that.”
Internet content appears to be a powerful engine behind the sport’s growing popularity. “Social media has exposed golf more, and kids are seeing their friends get involved,” Oatman said. “Many of them are showing up for the social aspect, not just the game.”
Loudoun County High School’s recent golf success probably contributes to its appeal. Just a few years ago, the team finished third in the state, and five of the six starters are now competing at the college level. The sixth is this year’s team captain — Senior Jackson Quinn — and he’s likely to see playing time in college as well.
“Success like that builds a reputation,” Oatman said. “Younger players see a path to college golf and want in.”
Aside from its social impact, advances in golf technology have enabled players to improve more easily and remain stimulated.
“Golf clubs and teaching aids are [present] more than ever,” Oatman said. “Trackman, a golf simulator and video analysis, enables players to see their improvement and sharpen their game in fewer hours.”
“Golf is an excellent sport. One of the most challenging to master, but that’s why it’s so rewarding,” he said. “Most athletes lean towards golf eventually in their older years. Why not sooner?”
Whether it’s all of the golf on the internet, championship tradition, or just a shift in adolescent trends, one thing is certain: Golf isn’t a boring sport.
