Doniphan Golf Plays For The Love Of The Game

Doniphan High School’s golf team (L-R): Kenzie Redus, Breanna Williams, Ashlynn Fowler and Charissa Mathis. Not pictured is Miken Pigg.

Photo provided

Doniphan High School’s boys’ golf team is unusual for a couple of reasons. First, the team is composed mostly of girls. Second, they play not for trophies or titles but for the love of the game.

“We have mostly girls playing and have for the last few years,” said coach Daniel Cagle. “We aren’t very competitive, but the kids really enjoy playing.”

Four out of the five team members are girls, all of whom are seniors this year: Ashlynn Fowler, Charissa Mathis, Kenzie Redus and Breanna Williams. Freshman Miken Pigg is the sole boy on the team.

“Ashlynn has improved each year and continues to get better,” Cagle said. Fowler has been playing since she was a freshman.

“Miken has some potential as a freshman and will keep improving if he plays consistently,” Cagle said.

The team has competed in tournaments at Notre Dame in Cape and Malden so far this season, with upcoming matches this week in Jackson, Poplar Bluff and Caruthersville.

“We usually finish last in all the tournaments and matches,” Cagle said. “It’s difficult having to play with the boys and hit off the boys’ tees, but the kids really do enjoy the game.”

While the expectations of the competitions are different, so too is the emphasis that Cagle places on the value of the sport for his team.

“I mainly just want the kids to learn the game and respect the integrity of the game,” he said. “It can be something they can enjoy well beyond their high school years.”