HP Golfers See Results Surge as State Tournament Approaches

Depth and experience throughout roster has Scots confident about team title

Like its undulating courses, the peaks and valleys of the long high school golf season can be physically and mentally taxing.

As one of the most decorated programs in Texas, the Highland Park boys have become known for saving their best for the spring, just like at this year’s District 12-5A tournament in The Colony.

The Scots qualified two teams for regionals, as expected, but in the process also defeated powerhouse Frisco Wakeland, the defending 5A state runner-up.

“We’re really happy with the way it played out,” said HP head coach Richard Wager. “We wanted to ensure that one of the big competitors was out. It makes it a little easier to medal at state with one of our teams.”

Depth throughout the roster enabled Wager to mix and match golfers on each of the Scots’ two quintets at the district tournament.

That also fuels optimism about the chances to earn HP’s first team state championship since 2021, which would be the program’s 21st overall crown. The event, which is subject to qualification at the Region II tournament, is slated for May 5-6 in Georgetown.

The Scots are led by a trio of seniors who have each signed with prominent college programs. Brooks Simmons (Texas) was the individual district gold medalist after shooting 11-under par over two rounds.

Charles Nelson (Duke) won the Mayakoba Invitational last summer in Mexico, while Blake Goodnight (Seton Hall) also has competed across the country.

“They’re well-seasoned when it comes to playing high-level events,” Wager said. “Playing with each other every day is another thing that sharpens the sword a little bit.”

However, team success has hinged on the development of younger players. Seven of the top 10 golfers for HP are not seniors. At the district tournament, all 13 of the Scots’ individual competitors placed in the top 17.

“I knew we were capable of doing something like this. We finally pulled it off as a whole team,” Wager said. “The young guys had to do their part. We just had the best all-around performance that we’ve had.”

Among the younger players who have made a significant impact are juniors Gray Gale and Charlie Conger, sophomores Charlie Simmons and Andy Lieu, and freshman Edward Lehner.

The Scots have improved steadily. They won the Regional Preview tournament in February while missing some players and claimed the title at the State Preview event in early March by 21 shots. Wager hopes that momentum will carry over to May.

“We’ve still got to do the work in front of us and not take anybody for granted,” he said. “We’re really excited to see how this season continues to progress.”