For most high school athletes, homefield advantage is a given. For the Oglethorpe County golf team, that’s a luxury it simply doesn’t have.
With no local golf course or country club within the county, the Patriots spend their entire season on the road. It’s a logistical hurdle that might discourage some, but for coach Dale Blalock — who came out of retirement to lead the program in 2012 — it’s just part of the job.
“I have to arrange (every match) to be away,” Blalock said. “It’s a pretty good obstacle.”
Despite the lack of a home course, the roster has grown to 20 golfers, the largest group in more than a decade.
To manage those numbers, the team leans on local support: Elberton Country Club allows the Patriots to practice on Mondays and they travel to the University of Georgia course for the driving range on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
“I’ve enjoyed seeing them progress and get better,” Blalock said. “We’ve slowly built it up. ... I can see the program growing.”
Blalock, who first joined the school system as an assistant principal in 2001, draws on a deep athletic background in football, tennis and golf. While he encourages his players to be multi-sport athletes, he often reminds them of the unique longevity playing golf presents.
“I tell them all the time: I’m not telling you not to play other sports because I did and I loved it,” he said. “But just keep in mind that golf is a sport you can play years and years and years before you have to retire.”
Without a dedicated home course, the team, which focuses mainly on fun and improvement rather than scores, has become well acquainted with the various terrains of North Georgia. When asked about the most grueling test his golfers faced, the coach pointed to Hard Labor Creek in Social Circle.
“It’s hilly, it’s up and down,” Blalock said. “It’s hard to walk, and they have to walk and carry their bags.”
On the flip side, OCHS has found its favorite rhythm at Arrowhead Pointe Golf Course in Elberton.
While modern golf is increasingly driven by launch monitors and swing speeds, the program keeps its focus on the fundamentals. Assistant coach William Ballard has introduced technology through his father’s swing speed monitor to track the club head speed.
As this season winds down, Blalock’s message for the community is one of appreciation for the team’s character.
“These golfers are very proud of themselves, and they represent Oglethorpe County well when we’re on the road,” he said. “They’re very polite, they’re very respectful, and I’m just very proud of them.”
