By Marianna Escobar
For the past couple of years, the addition of a golf team to Galileo Magnet High School has been discussed. After much interest from the student body and the determination of Coach Willoughby, Galileo proudly introduced its first-ever golf team this year. Bringing with him 50 years of experience, dating back to his first junior tournament win in 1979 at Raleigh Country Club, Coach Willoughby is the perfect fit for this new and improving team. When asked, Coach Willoughby said he had one simple goal for the season: to help every player improve, both on the course and under pressure. Willoughby expressed his pride after his first competitive match with his team because of their amazing etiquette on the course and the way they carried themselves throughout this new sport for many of them.
All these years of experience prepared Coach Willoughby for this new position, but this season holds a meaning beyond coaching. His one and only daughter, Georgia-Claire, is part of the team during her final year of high school, giving them the chance to share something they both love. For Coach Willoughby, those moments on the course are “some of the best one-on-one time [they] get to spend together,” making this first season one he will remember long after the scores are forgotten.
Although the team is small, its members have quickly grown close. Addy Fespermans and Daniel Bryant have found teammates who encourage them, practice with them, and make the game more enjoyable. Fespermans shared that she hopes to see the team grow and that more students will join next season because“not only do you learn about how to play golf but you meet new people.” In addition, Bryant shared that for him, what makes their team special is that they have “an amazing coach who is dedicated, caring, and very helpful.” The sportsmanship and dedication this new team has shown have been very inspiring, and while they have many focuses, the future for this sport in the history of Galileo is bright and revolutionary as we grow.
As Galileo’s first golf season continues, the team is already showing improvement, and even with limited time, they're already setting up their successful future. However, they are also learning that golf is not only about how well you play. It is about the people you meet, the moments you share, and the progress you make along the way.