BIG RAPIDS — Last Friday was a victory for the Charlevoix boys golf team before they even stepped onto Katke Golf Course at Ferris State University in Big Rapids.
Forget the fact that it was essentially just a season-opening scrimmage. Forget that their lone swings had come on the putting green and driving range.
There was no team around the state that day that could top what the Rayders and head coach Doug Drenth achieved as the 2026 high school golf season began.
For the first time since the terrible April 27, 2025 Rayder golf team crash near Arcadia Bluffs, a complete team was back together on the course, which included Drenth.
“For me, it’s rewarding to be there and be with the guys,” Drenth said. “We talked about it at our first meeting and the emotions that we’ll go through. It’s mixed right now. I just felt so grateful to be back on the course and to be with those guys.”
The recovery process is still ongoing. For many, including Drenth, life was forever changed that day a year ago.
But, all the emotional and physical battles Charlevoix faced over the last year brought them back together and to a place they always planned to be together, competing once again on the course.
The reminders are still there without a doubt. Drenth is still battling the physical side of recovery and was limited in how much he could watch his team at Katke last week, with the course not allowing carts to be out yet.
“I was pretty exhausted on Friday night,” Drenth said. “I’m getting better, but I’m limited mobility with how much I can go. My stamina needs to get better and it will. I believe that.”
Back out on the course were seniors Bryce Boss and Joe Gaffney, then juniors Maxwell Drenth and Landon Whisler, all who went through that horrific April night with Drenth. They were joined in the new lineup by freshman Blake Boss and senior Keane Helstrom.
Like Drenth, Gaffney had a major physical road to travel and did so with a return to the basketball court this winter, just seven months after spending nine days in the ICU with a fractured pelvis and multiple other injuries.
For Gaffney, that basketball opener brought out all the emotions of those seven months. Getting back to the golf course with his team brought excitement more than anything.
“I thought that we were kind of going in on a high just because we were so excited to be playing,” he said. “Then for me, I was reminded of how hard golf is. But I think everyone was just excited to be outside. It was the perfect day and beautiful out.”
Gaffney was also excited to see his coach out there, back smiling and enjoying his time with the team.
“You can tell he’s really happy about being back with the team out on the golf course,” Gaffney said. “It’s just really great to see him walking around. I try to remind him to take off days every once in a while because I know walking around on the course makes him sore. But it’s just really good to see him joyful.”
For it being the first time Rayder golfers actually played this spring outside – which includes any kind of work on the greens – they were impressive.
They carded a 347 as a team, with Bryce Boss leading with a 78. Gaffney shot 86, followed by Drenth with an 88, Whisler, 95; Helstrom, 98; and Blake Boss, 110.
“We’ve hit balls in a simulator and outside a little bit, but not on manicured greens at all. So to do that, it was really nice,” Drenth said.
For Boss, the impressive opening round included a pair of birdies within the first four holes. As a junior a year ago, one of a few who returned from the accident, Boss captured a Northern Shores title with a round of 67 at Harbor Point in Harbor Springs.
“It’s nothing new for Bryce,” Gaffney said. “Bryce is one of my best friends. He’s the best golfer I’ve played with, the best golfer in Charlevoix High School golf and I think he can do whatever he wants this season.”
While the Rayders missed out on a trip to state’s a year ago, there’s optimism for the 2026 season and a return trip ahead.
“We can be pretty good this year,” Drenth said. “We really believe that. It’s going to take time, we’re going to have to work and progress, but what a chance.”
Gaffney believes it as well.
“I definitely think that if we all continue to work hard, keep our heads down, then the sky is the limit,” he said.
There will be challenges and obstacles to overcome of course, both mentally and physically. One of those challenges ahead will be returning to the two-day tournament at Arcadia Bluffs Golf Course between Sunday and Monday, April 26-27.
It was there a year ago that things forever changed for Charlevoix and it’ll likely be heavy on the minds of Drenth, Rayder golfers and the Charlevoix community.
Once it’s over, it can come with a giant exhale of triumph, no matter where they end up on the final scorecard.
“I think this week will be great and hard for the guys,” Drenth said. “We talked about what they’re going to face and difficulties they may have. Kids are amazing, though. They’re way more resilient than an old guy like me. I’m grateful for that and I just want them to be well.
“Everything from the drive down, to getting on that course and being around there will bring back memories. I’m grateful to get to experience that with them.”
Reach Sports Editor Drew Kochanny at dkochanny@petoskeynews.com and follow him on X @DrewKochanny and Instagram @drewkochanny
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Back together again, Charlevoix golf team comes up on one year since devastating crash
Reporting by Drew Kochanny, The Petoskey News-Review / The Petoskey News-Review
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
