Dickinson eager to begin golf season

The Dickinson High boys golf team spent one day in the golf simulator at the West River Community Center.
Needless to say, the returners were brimming with excitement because it’s a far cry from their experience last spring.
Due to a pair of snowstorms last April, the Midgets spent two weeks hitting in the simulator.
“You never know when the weather is going to go crazy or not,” Dickinson senior Alex Turcotte said. “The last couple days have been nice.”
However, Dickinson’s excitement didn’t just extend to practicing outside, but hosting its season opener at 10 a.m. on Monday at the Heart River Golf Course.
“It’s only been a week of practice and they are just excited to get outside and get playing,” Dickinson head coach Sara Berglund said. “Everyone was kind of nervous about the weather and that storm coming through (on March 30). When we found out that we would be able to have the tournament, we were excited and they want to play. That’s the best part.”
The Midgets have four returners in their varsity spots - Turcotte and juniors Carter Donnan, Alex Priebe and Tony Kostelecky, which all have at least one season of state tournament experience. The final two varsity spots are up for grabs.
Turcotte said the team has one goal - make the state tournament. He believes the team has the pieces to get there.
“Our main goal is to make it to state and we have to take it one tournament at a time,” said Turcotte, who posted a 177 at last year’s state tournament. “With myself too, I have to take it one shot at a time, one hole at a time and just take everything in stride.”
Donnan, who posted a two-day total of 180 during last year’s state tournament, said with the experience returning is going to help the team as the season progresses. Priebe finished last season with a 183.
“That’s great for the team because we have people coming back,” Donnan said. “It definitely helps.”
Kostelecky had a break-out season as a sophomore. He ended his first state tournament a two-day score of 173, which was the second-best score for the Midgets.
“He has natural athletic ability,” Berglund said. “Last year, I think he got more and more comfortable with his swing and more confidence in himself.”