As temperatures begin to rise, we welcome back our favorite outdoor activities. For LHS girls, golf is one of the most anticipated spring sports.
Dedicated to the girls’ golf team, Head Coach Scott Amundson has been committed to teaching and coaching LHS students for 28 years. His roles have extended across a variety of positions within LHS golf and basketball teams. This previous fall, Coach Jeff Halselth, who was alongside Amundson on both LHS girls’ and boys’ golf teams, retired, meaning that this spring will be the first season without the coaching duo. Regardless, Amundson, along with the participating golfers, is optimistic and excited for what is to come this season.
“It is going to be different after working with someone for a number of years; we know how to read one another and how to attack things, but Coach Sara Klawonn is a burst of new energy, and I am looking forward to this spring,” said Amundson.
In the previous 2025 season, the girls’ golf team had a remarkable 60+ players, something the team had not seen before. Adjustments followed, and players were placed into three separate groups who practiced interchangeably alongside the everyday varsity team. Despite a decrease in size to around 40+ girls, there is still an impressive lineup of golfers ready to tee off. The team will follow a similar structure as the previous season, splitting up into smaller groups and alternating practice with the regular varsity team. Splitting up the team allows for better personalized coaching from Amundson. This encourages consistent growth throughout the season. As players consistently show up for themselves and their team, they both strengthen the team’s dynamic and reap the benefits of a supportive and competitive environment. This growing self-confidence does not go unnoticed by coaches.
“My favorite part of coaching is working with the kids and seeing them improve, gain confidence and maybe find something they enjoy doing,” said Amundson.
In the early stages, the effects of losing seniors and the long winter and spring weather interruptions are all common obstacles when rebuilding the team’s momentum. Coach Amundson and Coach Klawonn focus on smoothing the transition and easing players into the season with comfort and confidence. With proper commitment from the players and engagement from the coaches, growth is evident as personal standards are steadily raised, while maintaining the team’s focus on the final state tournament in early June.
“The goal I have for each year is to be competitive and work towards being our best version of ourselves at the State Meet in early June. What that takes is a focus and a desire to get a little better at something each day,” said Amundson.
Whether on varsity, junior varsity or the practice squad, the LHS golf team provides an incredible opportunity for self-improvement, involvement and community. Regular team meals are superb bonding experiences, and the small moments often become cherished memories. Weekly golf meets are essential for players to support their teammates, promote school spirit and encourage healthy competition with others and themselves. As players make their way from the tee box to the green, mental toughness and problem-solving abilities are put to the test. Stretching those emotional muscles through golf impacts every area of life on and off the course.
“It is a great way to meet people or do something with friends. It’s also something you can do for a lifetime. There’s no better way to spend a nice day than being outside with friends, laughing and enjoying each other’s company on the golf course,” said Amundson.
