Written by Abigail Smith

After a strong start and a spring training trip with growth and bonding, the Rye Country Day Varsity Boys Golf team is teeing off the season with momentum and excitement.  

Over spring break, the team traveled to Florida to train at the Don Law Academy. Mornings were spent practicing until noon, followed by 18 holes each afternoon. Captain Johnny Gasparro ‘25 shared that the main goals of the preseason were “to sharpen our swings, strengthen the mental side of our game, and build strong team chemistry, especially with the younger players.” Further emphasizing Gasparro’s point about the “mental side” of the game, Coach Farber shared how, “the boys are discovering that golf isn’t about perfection but resilience and learning how to shake off a bad hole or shot quickly.”

With a strong mix of returning players and new faces, the boy’s golf team is energized for the season ahead. There’s a clear sense of spirit and leadership among this hardworking group, with players pushing each other to improve daily. The early season games have already tested the team’s grit with a match against Rye High that ended in a tie. RCDS has gone 4-2-1 overall, including a close win against GFA, who they lost to previously. When asked what he’s most looking forward to this season, senior Chris Mathias said, “I am very excited to see how the team performs together, especially all the younger players.” 

Looking ahead, the team is getting ready for a competitive stretch of games. Their match against Hamden Hall is expected to be close, testing the focus and perseverance they’ve built throughout the season. They’ll also face tough opponents such as King School and Horace Mann in the coming weeks. Coach Farber continues to remind the team to take on every round with a “one shot at a time” mentality, as that will lead them to the NYSAIS and FAA Championships.