After a tough 2024 season, Platte County has high hopes for the 2025 boys golf season.
The Pirates return all three of last year’s state qualifiers, including senior Josh Knickman, junior Braden Hendee and sophomore Brayden Renno. The trio will bring their experience to help build the Pirates team back up with higher expectations.
“We should have a pretty solid team this year with a lot of veteran talent as well as some improved players and new players on the roster,” Platte County head coach Trevor Short said. “I am excited to see the competition amongst the team for positions and for the new players to see what the Platte County Golf Team is all about.”
The Pirates last placed at the state tournament in 2004 when the team finished fourth, three years after Barrett Martens shot a 145 to win an individual state championship. Getting back to that championship-caliber level of golf is the ultimate goal.
“We have a very high expectation to be one of the top teams in our class by the end of the season,” Short said. “Many of these players have been working hard in the offseason to prepare and are ready to get the ball rolling.”
Platte County is coming off a season last year where they finished second in conference and fourth in districts. That is something they know they want to improve upon this year.
“We have a lot of skilled players that are eager to get to competitions,” Short said. “I have seen a lot of improvements in the players and think they have a fire under their feet to prove something from last year.”