Depth on the Greens: Jerome Golfers Eye State Success
With a powerhouse A Team chasing a state championship and a determined B Team sharpening their skills, Dublin Jerome boys’ golf proves its strength lies not only in talent but in depth, leadership, and a shared love of the game.
Varsity A Team
Focused on the Fairway: Jerome Golfers Chase a State Title
The Dublin Jerome boys’ golf Varsity A Team heads into the season with one collective goal: bringing home a state championship. With a mix of veteran seniors and hungry underclassmen, the program boasts depth, talent, and the kind of camaraderie that makes chasing big dreams possible.
For Brady Barnum, now in his junior year, improvement has come through discipline. “My putting has gotten a lot better this year,” he shares. Practicing five to six times a week, he has his eyes on both team and personal progress. “I want to be less negative and minimize score killers,” he explains, while also lowering his scoring average from last season. Brady is particularly excited about teeing it up at Canterbury, a course that offers both challenge and prestige.
Fellow junior Evan Menges echoes the team-first mentality. His confidence lies in his iron play, sharpened through daily practice. “My goal is simple,” he says. “Win a state championship.” For Evan, the state tournament represents both the ultimate test and the opportunity to compete on one of the biggest stages. He lists Scioto Country Club as his favorite during the school season, but admits Olde Florida tops his personal list.
Senior leadership comes from players like Blake Hartman, who brings plenty of experience and a big swing. “My driver!!” he says without hesitation when asked what part of his game he’s most confident in. Blake’s practice is constant—“all the time, in all of my free time”—and his sights are firmly set on the state title. His favorite course, Muirfield Village, keeps him honest with its championship layout, while the invitational at Tartan Fields remains a highlight on his schedule.
Harrison Young, a sophomore, has quickly become a key contributor. Solid off the tee with an improving short game, Harrison practices five to six days a week and is motivated by the chance to bond with teammates and compete on elite courses across Ohio. Personally, he hopes to average under 73 for the year and post a tournament round of 66. Springfield Country Club, where he spent five years, holds a special place in his heart, though playing at Scioto has always been a dream.
Senior Trent Thompson brings maturity and perspective to the lineup. Confident in his ball striking and practicing every day, Trent looks forward to “making memories with the team and going low.” His goals are as much about mindset as numbers: “Take away something from every round to help me improve.” Trent loves the rare opportunity to test himself at Muirfield Village and is eager for tournaments at Canterbury and Tartan. As a senior, he’s also focused on leadership: “Be a leader and always support my teammates.”
Rounding out the group is sophomore Akash Chaudhari, who identifies his wedge play as the strongest part of his game. Practicing daily—whether alone or with teammates—he values the social side of the sport as much as the competition. “I’m most looking forward to hanging out with friends and spending long evenings on the course,” he says. His goals this year include growing as a leader and boosting his self-confidence. He names the Golf Club of Dublin as his favorite course and looks forward to the team’s annual tournament at Tartan Fields.
Together, these six golfers make up the Varsity A Team for Dublin Jerome—a group defined by depth, drive, and a shared vision. From big-hitting seniors to steady underclassmen, each player brings his own focus, whether it’s refining a short game, building confidence, or simply enjoying time with teammates. Above all, they are united in their pursuit of a championship season that reflects not only their talent but also their bond as a team.
Building Depth: Jerome’s B Team Aims High
Behind every championship-caliber program is depth, and the Dublin Jerome boys’ golf Varsity B Team is proof of that. Comprised of a talented mix of freshmen, sophomores, and juniors, this group is sharpening their games with an eye toward growth, leadership, and earning their way onto the state lineup. While the A Team pursues a title, the B Team represents the future—and they’re eager to make their mark.
For Blaise Barnum, a freshman, it’s all about confidence and perseverance. “My mental game,” he says, is the strongest part of his toolkit. Practicing nearly every day, Blaise’s goal is clear: play on Varsity A in States. While tryouts didn’t go as planned, his determination to move up hasn’t wavered. “Making friends and having fun, but most of all—State Champs,” he says, sums up his season outlook.
Junior Will Tschirhart brings experience and power off the tee. “Driving the ball” is his strength, and he backs it up with at least two hours of practice daily. His goals are straightforward: shoot under par at least three times this season and push for a spot at States. “Virtues is my favorite course because of all the cool views,” he adds, though he’s especially excited for Jerome’s annual Honorary.
Sophomore Henry Jutte identifies his wedge game as a major asset. Practicing five days a week, he’s motivated by the chance to be part of a championship run. “Being state champions” is what excites him most about the season, with a personal goal of securing a spot in the state lineup. For Henry, Scioto Country Club stands out as a favorite for its challenge and quality. “I want to be the best version of myself mentally on the course,” he says.
Sophomore Colt Altenburg is confident in his distance off the tee, something he considers a key advantage. Practicing six days a week for hours at a time, Colt looks forward to being part of what he calls “the best program in the state” while continuing to grow as both a player and a teammate. His favorite course, Muirfield Village Golf Club, inspires him with its history, while the Dublin Jerome Honorary at Tartan Fields carries special meaning. “I grew up playing there,” he explains. “It’s always a special tournament for me.”
Freshman Christian emphasizes his iron game as the backbone of his play. While new to the Jerome team setting, he practices nearly every day on his own, working toward small, consistent improvements. His personal benchmark: fewer than five bogeys per round. He’s had the chance to play standout courses—Scioto Country Club locally and Pinehurst No. 2 after the U.S. Open—but what excites him most is the team environment. “Playing golf for Jerome and with friends,” he says, is the real highlight.
Rounding out the roster is freshman Cole Gempel, who thrives on driving off the tee and brings energy to the team environment. “I practice almost every day,” he says. For Cole, golf is about both competition and connection: “I’m most looking forward to hanging out with the team!” His favorite course is Tartan Fields, his home course and the site of the Jerome Honorary. His goals are simple but powerful: stay positive, play good golf, and have fun along the way.
Together, these six golfers represent the foundation and future of Dublin Jerome’s success. With individual goals ranging from breaking par to earning varsity spots, and shared ambitions of contributing to a state championship culture, the Varsity B Team is not just preparing for tomorrow—they’re pushing each other today. Their determination ensures that Jerome golf’s winning tradition remains strong for years to come.
Building Confidence: Jerome’s Junior Varsity Golfers
Dublin Jerome’s boys’ golf program is known for its depth, and the junior varsity squad plays a vital role in building that foundation. Made up largely of freshmen and sophomores, the JV team provides an opportunity for younger golfers to sharpen their skills, gain valuable match experience, and grow alongside teammates who share the same passion for the game. For these golfers, the season is about more than scores—it’s about learning, improving, and contributing to Jerome’s winning culture.
For Owen Ishida (9th), confidence comes from a steady short game. “Putting and wedges,” he says, are the strongest part of his play. Practicing four to five times a week, Owen is focused on competing against himself as much as against opponents. “I want to improve mentally and get better every day,” he explains. While his favorite course is Muirfield Village for its beauty and challenge, Owen is especially excited about the Liberty match at Kinsale. His personal goal is simple but meaningful: make it fun.
Fellow freshman Yusei Suzuki (9th) is experiencing his first season of competitive golf, and he’s eager to grow. “Putting” is the most confident part of his game, and he practices every day to refine it. For Yusei, the highlight of the season is the chance to connect with new teammates and build friendships on the course. His favorite place to play is the Golf Club of Dublin, where he shot his best round to date. His goals are both practical and personal: avoid “blowup rounds,” become a better teammate, and consistently score in the 70s.
Another freshman, Sammy Simkins (9th), brings enthusiasm and consistency to the JV lineup. “I’m most confident in my putting,” he says, a skill he hones nearly every day whether at the range or on the greens. For Sammy, the season is about both fun and growth: “I’m looking forward to playing in matches and having fun with my teammates.” Tartan Fields, close to home and always in great condition, is his favorite course, but he’s especially excited about the chance to compete at Kinsale. His personal goal is clear: continue to build consistency in his scores.
Deen Syam (10th) adds experience and steady improvement to the group. Known for his work ethic, Deen focuses on consistency and leadership, working to contribute solid rounds while helping foster the team’s supportive environment. His perspective emphasizes steady growth: getting a little better with each practice and match.
Colin Jones (9th) brings enthusiasm and developing skill to the team. Eager to learn and contribute, Colin is focused on building confidence in competition and sharpening his fundamentals. His goals reflect the larger mission of the JV team: improve steadily, enjoy the game, and strengthen his role as part of Jerome golf’s future.
Siyuan Sheng (9th) rounds out the roster with determination and focus. He is dedicated to developing his game through consistent practice and brings a positive, hardworking attitude to the team. His emphasis is on learning from each round and growing into a more confident competitor.
Drew Hiller adds a steady presence and plenty of energy to the squad. Confident in his chipping, he practices daily and is motivated by both competition and camaraderie. “Fun times with the boys” is what he looks forward to most, though he also sets clear goals for himself: “100 percent effort on every shot” and striving to be the best person he can be. Drew’s favorite course is Muirfield Village for its historic challenge, and he has his eye on the Jerome Honorary as a season highlight.
Together, Owen, Yusei, Sammy, Deen, Colin, Siyuan, and Drew represent the heart of Jerome golf’s development program. Their dedication to practice, eagerness to learn, and willingness to embrace both the challenges and joys of the sport embody the spirit of the program. With a balance of underclassman growth and Drew’s experienced example, the JV team reflects both the present and future of Jerome golf.
As the season unfolds, Jerome’s JV golfers will gain valuable experience, test themselves against strong competition, and continue to grow in skill and confidence. With their positive outlooks and clear goals, they not only strengthen the present of the program but also ensure its future remains bright.