As high school golf season approaches, expectations are clear. Anchored by a tight-knit group known as “The Core Four,” the team is entering the year with a shared belief: anything short of dominance will be a disappointment.
Comprised of Tommy Goodelle, JP Lazzaro, Charlie Beaton, and Graham Jenkings, the group blends talent, experience, and chemistry. Together, they form the backbone of a team chasing another championship run.
Despite being just a sophomore, Goodelle has already stepped into a leadership role. But for him, pressure isn’t part of the equation.
“To me there is no pressure,” Goodelle said. “I reflect on the work that I put in to get me through high pressure moments and situations.”
That preparation shows up most in his ball striking, which he considers his biggest advantage. By emphasizing consistency, he’s built a game where even mistakes remain a manageable trait in competitive play.
His confidence reflects a broader shift in mindset across the team.
“My mindset has changed this year because of the team that we have,” he said. “I expect to win every match and sectionals.”
“While Goodelle represents the team’s rising talent, junior JP Lazzaro provides a steady veteran presence. As an upperclassmen, he’s focused on creating a competitive culture that pushes everyone to improve on their games.
“I like to set the tone by giving them motivation and getting everyone into a winning mindset,” Lazzaro said. “We set up mini matches so everyone gets the feel of playing under pressure.”
Lazzaro’s leadership is shaped by perseverance. After falling short at state qualifiers for two straight years, he broke through last season–a moment that reinforced a lesson he now carries forward.
“You should never stop working to get to where you want to be,” he said.
That mindset extends to how he handles high-pressure situations: sticking to a routine, focusing on the shot at hand, and controlling his breathing to stay composed.
His motivation also comes from outside criticism. After being told by college coaches that his rankings weren’t strong enough, Lazzaro turned doubt into fuel.
“That really motivates me to get better so I can prove them wrong,” he said.
For sophomore Charlie Beaton, confidence comes from perspective. Competing against older players doesn’t faze him–instead, it simplifies the game.
“We all have the same size ball and hole to putt in,” Beaton said. “There’s no excuse to make with age.”
He credits the team’s bond as a major factor in their success. Whether its practice rounds or weekend outings, the connection between players extends beyond competition.
“It’s my teammates,” he said. “Our bond is what made us and will continue to make us a great team.”
Still, Beaton is focused on his individual growth as a player. This offseason, he’s targeted a key area of his game: increasing his distance off of the tee, recognizing that it is essential for taking his game to the next level.
Junior Graham Jenkins, another pillar of the Core Four, emphasizes both performance and leadership. With a young roster, he and Lazzaro will be taking on added responsibility this season.
“I want to contribute by playing well in sectionals and putting us in the best possible position to win,” Jenkins said.
That work is fueling ambitious team goals. The Core Four isn’t just aiming to compete-they’re aiming to dominate.
“Our main goals are to go undefeated, win the TVL, and win sectionals,” Jenkins said. “Another achievement we’re going for is to shoot under 200 as a team in every match.”
With a mix of confidence, chemistry, and commitment, the Core Four has set the tone for what could be a defining season. And if their preparation translates to performance, this title run may be more than just an expectation–it may be inevitable.
