The boys golf program at Cassville is undergoing a change of leadership, returning four players under new management, as longtime coach Jay Rogers retired last year and Clayton Bagby has taken over as the replacement.

“Cassville golf had one of its more successful seasons in a while last year with Coach Rogers,” Bagby said. “I think as a team right now, becoming overall more competitive 1-5 is a good goal to start, and we look to start being more competitive in tournaments and looking to finish more towards the top.”

The Wildcats bring back one state championships qualifier in Dennis Craig, who as a freshman in 2024 placed 80th overall in the Boys State Golf Tournament at Rivercut Golf Course in Springfield, shooting a 93 (+21) on Day 1, and an 87 (+15) on Day 2.

Only one senior departed last season, and Aiden McBroom, Bradley Stumpff and Cheney Kelley all return. Stumpff is the only senior this season.

“I haven’t been around them much, so I’m just trying to learn how they play,” Bagby said. “But, Aiden, Dennis and Cheney I know have all put in quite a bit of work since last season trying to become better golfers and put themselves in a position to compete to win tournaments. Dennis qualified for State last year and he, along with the others, would like that opportunity this year. Brad held a varsity spot all last year and looks to improve and keep that spot this year.”

Joining the team are five newcomers in Kaleb Artherton, Kyle Brown, Tyson Bohmke, Will Brooks and Will Finch.

“My understanding is Kaleb, Kyle, Tyson, and Will Brooks have all improved their scoring ability since last year and have put time in to get better,” Bagby said. “From what I have seen, it looks like those four, along with the first four all have the ability to find themselves in one of those top five spots to compete at the varsity level this year.”

In the early days still, Bagby said he is getting familiar with his new team and looking for areas he can help.

“Right now, I have been impressed by their overall ball striking ability and how most hit it off the tee or fairways,” he said. “Overall course management, but especially around the greens is something I’ve noticed early [as an area needing improvement]. Springtime golf can be difficult since it is always windy. You are constantly hitting off thin lies, and the greens aren’t really receptive yet, so I think shot selection around the green is important to limit wasted shots, and understanding when and when not to be aggressive on the greens — that sometimes a bogey is OK.”

Cassville plays in multiple tournaments throughout the season, but the Wildcats are most excited to play at home in the Cassville Tournament, set for April 10 with about 18 teams expected to compete.

“We didn’t change much in the schedule from last year,” Bagby said. “With how much these boys like to play, and the expectations they have for themselves, we are making efforts to get them on courses around the area that are considered to be state-level type courses, which included adding a tournament at Rivercut this year to get them experience there.”

The Wildcats’ schedule kicked off last week at the Reeds Spring Tournament, and they play in the Clever Tournament at Rivercut on Monday.