Golf swings into style with addition of team next fall

Vanguard has announced an addition of a new sports team, with golf being added for both men and women this coming fall. The new teams will be directed by Coach Jeff Anderson. Golf is the latest addition of new sports being welcomed to the school, following the kick off Stunt and Beach Volleyball this spring. According to Anderson, the golf program has been considered by athletics for a few years but became implemented at just the right time, and he is beyond blessed to take part in this journey. Although golf may not be among the popular sports for many students to follow, Anderson remains hopeful and thrilled for the program’s future.

“Golf isn’t one of those big sports, but it’s a sport where it challenges you, it holds you accountable, and teaches you integrity. I just want it to bring excitement in kind of a new vision of sports at Vanguard,” Anderson said.

The golf teams are expected to include 17 members in total, with 10 men golfers and 7 women golfers. The sport will run in both fall and spring seasons beginning in late August until early October and from February until early May.

As for recruits, Anderson has already begun searching for new members with his primary target being new students from freshmen to transfers.

“I’m putting 95% of my focus on bringing new kids to the campus from Southern California, Arizona and Nevada is kind of where I am focusing, but Southern California mostly because it is such a hot bid for golf here,” Anderson said.

Anderson also brings a long history of golfing experience to the program from playing in high school to playing professionally for the past 17 years and coaching golf for the past eight years. In addition to being the new head coach, Anderson also has other plans while at Vanguard.

“[I’m looking forward to] working with the students for sure, and just watching them grow and mature, not only as golfers but as students as well, growing in their faith…I’m hoping to make a difference on campus [and] being involved in the community [and] on campus and things like that,” Anderson said.

The home golf course has not officially been decided but a few local golf courses, such as Santa Ana Country Club, can become possible home fields for the team, according to Anderson. Future golf tournaments are also expected to be held in various locations from Arizona, Canada and throughout California.

“It is a blessing and it’s an amazing feeling to be the head coach of a founding program at a university that means a lot to me [knowing its] morals and values…I’m overwhelmingly blessed to have the support that I have from the school and athletic department, that means a lot to me for sure,” Anderson said.