As summer marches on toward fall and the start of the new school year, high school boys golf has teed off. 

At West Jordan High School, the Jaguars see the 2024 season as a chance to get better and have more of a presence at the state tournament. The Jaguars will be in their second season back in Class 5A. The field will be challenging, but head coach Jordan Bingham believes he has some strong golfers. Plus, he is impressed with how hard the boys are working and how they are creating an encouraging environment where everyone on the team feels they can contribute. 

“This team’s strengths include strong individual skills, a supportive and collaborative atmosphere and a solid work ethic,” Bingham said. “Our players are dedicated, work well together and have the ability to adapt and strategize effectively on the course.”

The top players for West Jordan are senior Christian Flint and sophomore Mason Dorenbosch. They not only have the skills to compete well in matches and tournaments, but they bring leadership attributes and a positive mindset that Bingham loves. 

“[Flint] brings exceptional skills and a strategic mindset, while [Dorenborsch’s] consistent performance and strong work ethic inspire the team,” Bingham said. “Both players provide valuable experience and leadership, helping to motivate and guide their teammates throughout the season.”

Though West Jordan will be hard-pressed to compete at the state level with 5A powers Olympus, Timpview, East, Viewmont, Brighton and Skyline, Bingham is confident that his players will get better throughout the season match to match. He isn’t worried about how close West Jordan will be to an opponent; rather, he wants to see the Jaguars’ players do their best. 

“I expect to see significant improvement in individual and team performances this season,” he said. “I’m hoping for stronger teamwork, better strategy on the course and personal bests from our players.”

And Bingham isn’t just talking about doing well on the golf course. A team objective is for everyone to be a good teammate and a good person. 

“Our team's goals this season are to improve our overall scores, build strong team cohesion and advance to state,” he said. “We’re also focusing on individual growth, encouraging each player to achieve their personal best while supporting one another on and off the course.”

Wins and losses won’t define a successful season, Bingham said. He’s also not as concerned about where the Jaguars place in tournament as much as he is what his players’ attitudes look like and what type of effort they’re giving. 

“To make this season a success, we must stay focused, support each other and perform well in key matches,” he said. “Continuous improvement in skills and maintaining a positive team spirit will be key.”

Golf is one of the most mentally challenging sports. It can be difficult to maintain consistency and stay focused, especially when things aren’t going your way. Anyone who has ever played golf knows that it can be frustrating to miss shots. Even the slightest mistake can throw a player off and cause a big drop in scores and placement in the standings. Bingham recognizes this and has a formula for how his team can overcome these pitfalls. 

“Some of the biggest challenges include maintaining consistent performance under pressure and managing varying course conditions,” he said. “To overcome these, we’ll focus on enhancing mental toughness through practice and simulations, and we’ll work on adapting our strategies to different conditions. Team cohesion and communication will also be key in addressing these challenges effectively.”

Like other fall sports, high school boys golf starts in early August, a few weeks before the school year begins. In the early stages of the season, Bingham was already impressed with his players’ excitement and their resolve to make this a good season. He knows the team has a long way to go but Bingham is encouraged by everyone’s resolve and hard work. 

“The team has looked promising so far, with players showing enthusiasm and potential,” he said. “Early practices suggest we're on the right track, though there’s still room for refinement and growth.”

The Jaguars started playing matches the second week of August, as the team went up against fellow Region 4 schools. The Jaguars compete in the region against Kearns, Hunter, Cyprus, Taylorsville and Granger. The Class 5A state tournament will be held Oct. 14 and 15 at Glen Eagle Golf Course in Syracuse. 

Bingham, a West Jordan alum, loves coaching at the school he attended. He’s grateful to see the players on his team not only get better at golf but also prepare themselves for life beyond high school. For him the opportunity to lead the Jaguars’ golf team is a fulfilling experience. He’s happy to coach a high-quality group of players this season. 

“What I enjoy most about coaching this group is the sense of pride I feel in being connected to my alma mater, especially since I was there not long ago,” he said. “It’s fulfilling to see students from my old school embrace the same values and enthusiasm I had, and it’s rewarding to contribute to their growth and success. Being able to relate to their experiences firsthand makes the coaching experience especially meaningful and gratifying.”