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06/07/2018 12:00 AMEven though Conner Quinn’s favorite aspect of golf is the sport’s unpredictability, he’s proving a model of consistency in his first year as a member of the Hand boys’ golf squad. Conner, a freshman, has been producing stellar scores for the Tigers throughout his rookie season.
Conner was introduced to golf by his father, Richard, and he later joined the Madison Country Club. In his freshman year at Hand, Conner earned the No. 2 position in the Tigers’ lineup and has collected medalist honors as the low scorer in a meet three times this spring. He recently shot an 18-hole round of 85 to help Hand finish in fourth place at the SCC Championship.
“I love golf, because every time you hit a shot, it’s a different outcome. It’s never the same shot or play,” says Conner. “It’s been mostly my drive that allows me to get up and down the holes for pars and birdies. If I’m in a good position to hit an iron, it helps me, as well. I’ve struggled with putting, but I am getting my putt back.”
Conner immediately sealed a spot in the Tigers’ rotation this year and was soon promoted up the ranks. It was a lot of responsibility on Conner, but he blocked out the pressure by realizing that no one player matters more than the others. That mindset helped carry Conner to his best round of the season.
“I started at No. 4 and was moved up to No. 2, which gave me confidence to shoot low scores,” Conner says. “We had a quad-match at the Clinton Country Club and I shot [an even-par 36 to medal]. Everything came together. I was calm out there and wasn’t thinking about shooting the best round of my life. My first match at No. 2, I was nervous, but then I realized we are a team and rank in the lineup doesn’t matter and that everyone is capable of shooting a great score.”
Tigers’ Head Coach Jim Holleran says that Conner swings a powerful club, but adds that he also takes his time as a tactician and works on the nuances in his game to get better—regardless of the conditions of the course.
“Conner is a very good athlete and he has the ability to hit the ball a long way, especially for a freshman. He hits both his driver and his irons well. Conner has a good mind for the game. He understands what he needs to do to score well, and he learns from his mistakes,” says Holleran. “Conner’s drive and dedication have helped turn the team around this season. His work ethic and desire to excel have been contagious, and the team has played much better this season with his presence in the lineup. He has been medalist on three occasions, including a one-over-par 37 against Amity in a cold, steady rain. He helps make our future bright.”
As the stakes rise during postseason play, Conner understands that this is a new environment for him as a freshman. Conner believes the most important thing for everyone on this young Tigers’ team is to stay within themselves on the course and enjoy the ride.
“Obviously, I don’t know what the postseason is like before now, so I just want to go in there and play to the best of my ability,” Conner says. “For the team, we want everyone to have fun, but also we want to win. We want to play great, and we know we can do that.”
Conner knows that the Tigers will be competing against a deep and talented field of teams in the postseason. Still, he feels confident that they have what it takes to bring home a title.
“You have to have that mentality that you can win it,” says Conner, who thanks his dad, PGA pro coach Josh Detmer, and teammates Matt Doyle and Aidan Stuart. “All you need to win are four good scores and you can win, and we can definitely do that.”