The Mater Dei Boys’ Golf team prepared for a competitive year, with sights set on a Trinity League title and a deep CIF playoff run. Beyond results, the program emphasizes camaraderie, discipline, and personal growth—values that define the team both on and off the course.

A key factor behind the program’s success is its close-knit culture. Despite golf often being viewed as an individual sport, Mater Dei’s program prioritizes teamwork and accountability, with players supporting one another through tournaments and daily practice. Head Coach Ryan Kelaher has seen that culture strengthen in recent years.

“The community is great,” Kelaher said. “First, each team works great amongst themselves, and in the last several years, the entire program gets along, works together, and practices with the team and on their own.”

This sentiment is echoed by the student athletes themselves. Junior and varsity player Carson Schechter notes that despite the different levels of competition, the program maintains a close bond.

“Everyone’s pretty tight,” Schechter said. “It’s like a small team, so it’s not like a big group where you get lost; it’s basically one big group.” 

Senior and varsity golfer Griffin Vaughn also shares his positive experience with the team’s unity, which has helped him contribute more to the community he has built throughout his high school journey.

“We have a lot of great people around us who support us and make us better every day,” Vaughan said.

The program also offers opportunities for students of all skill levels. This year there is a frosh/soph, junior varsity, and varsity team. According to Kelaher, the structure allows players to develop at their own pace while maintaining a strong sense of team identity.

“For anyone joining the golf team, they should know that we have a team or level for them,” Kelaher said. “To see the frosh/soph and JV players trying to get better each and every day, to the varsity players who practice seemingly every day and night to make sure their game progresses, is extremely rewarding.”

Vaughn highly encourages students to take the leap into the sport due to the friends and mentors you will interact with in the game especially when it comes to the brotherhood that golf can make.

“I would say do it,” Vaughn said. “I think golf is the best sport to play in high school because it’s fun and it’s very social.”

The upcoming season promises to be particularly exciting, highlighted by a major out-of-state trip. The varsity squad will travel to South Carolina to compete in the Palmetto High School Golf Championship, a prestigious nationwide tournament that brings top-tier teams together at world-class venues.

“We have Palmetto coming out in South Carolina, that’s really fun,” Schechter said. “It’s only every four years, so we play some really nice courses up there. I’m excited for that.”

Kelaher views this trip as a crucial stepping stone for the team’s postseason ambitions. 

“That should prepare us for a CIF run at the end of the regular season,” Kelaher said.

To reach those championship heights, the Monarch golfers will have to navigate a grueling schedule. The team regularly faces formidable opponents from the Trinity League and around Orange County. Specific rivalries help fuel the players’ competitive drive. Schechter looks forward to challenging matchups against Santa Margarita.

“It’s fun having a really good challenge as a team,” Schechter said.

While the team is focused on competing for championships, Kelaher emphasizes that success extends beyond wins and losses. For him, the program’s ultimate purpose is to develop character and leadership.

“Golf is a game where your toughest opponent is yourself,” Kelaher said. “Helping them grow day by day and match by match as I help them mature and become poised is what got me into it. Assisting these student athletes in becoming better versions of themselves is rewarding. Their golf accomplishments are secondary to their growth as young men.”