Deetya Tandon ’29
Nov 7, 2025
The Boys’ Varsity Golf team wrapped up their season with a final matchup against the Hill School, competing both home and away. One group represented Mercersburg in the Keystone Cup and PAISAA tournaments at Radley Run Country Club, while the other faced Hill’s JV team at Chambersburg Country Club.
AJ Patel ’26 reflected, “Even though we didn’t win the Keystone Cup, playing Hill was a really good way to end the season. It gave everyone a great experience, especially the guys in the 7–12 ladder who played really well and gained a lot of confidence.” Nicholas Zhou ’29 added, “We’ll get them next year—it was a great season though.”
Throughout the season, the team’s chemistry grew stronger, which proved valuable both on and off the course. “Team chemistry is super important,” said Kadien Woo ’28. Coach Smith agreed, adding, “We strived this season to keep the trajectory going upwards despite the roller coaster that is competitive golf.”
Several moments stood out for players as they reflected on their season. “The final match was a really fun experience,” said Woo. “It was actually my first match on the team, so I was super excited. Though it resulted in some wins and losses, I’m overall happy that we ended by playing our rival.”
Patel also highlighted his experience at Radley Run: “Playing at Radley Run for States was definitely a highlight. It was one of the toughest courses we’ve played all year, and competing against some of the best teams in Pennsylvania really pushed me to stay locked in and focused the whole round. He added, “This season taught me how much patience matters in golf. One bad hole doesn’t define the round—you just have to reset and keep going.”
For some, certain courses carried personal meaning. “It has to be our home course, Chambersburg Country Club,” said Paxton Diana ’26. “I’ve grown up playing there and know it really well. “Every time we played there, I felt proud to represent Mercersburg. It’s where I’ve seen my game improve the most. ” Woo added, “While it may not be the most perfect, I’ve built so many memories there. I believe Great Cove will always have a special place in my heart.”
As the season comes to a close, players are proud of their progress—both individually and as a team. Their dedication, mental toughness, and steady improvement throughout the season reflect their commitment and ambition. Patel said, “Coach Smith also switched up pairings a lot, which made it easier to get to know everyone and build that team bond,” Patel noted.
The team ends the season as a close-knit group, proud of their growth and eager to return stronger for the upcoming spring season.