Meet the Athlete: Billy Nicholls

Grade Sophomore Sport Golf

Joe Brandel

How long have you played?
I have played golf for the high school since seventh grade.

Why did you start playing golf?
I started playing because a few of my friends played and my grandpa had a membership to a country club. I would go out and play with him more and more as I got older.

What is your goal for the team this season?
My goal for the team is for most of us to qualify for the second day at sections.

What is your goal for yourself this season?
My goal is to maintain playing the No. 2 seed all year.

How do you train during the off-season?
It is hard to get out in the winter because of hockey but usually I hit balls at Braemar Dome and Golden Valley Chip and Putt.

What is the hardest part of playing golf?
The hardest part is definitely the mental part of the game and keeping a level head and positive attitude throughout the round.

What is your favorite memory from high school golf?
My favorite memory is competing in sections last year as a freshman.

Who was the most impactful person to your learning?
A coach I had when I started playing, Ryan Paulson. He taught me the swing and technical aspects of the game, and also course management and having a good mentality.

Do you want to continue playing golf after high school?
Yes, I do want to. There are lots of opportunities to play in college.

Do you want to say anything to people considering playing golf this year?
You should play because you get to spend time with friends, get out of a lot of school and have fun playing the game of golf.