Parker Anderson masters golf

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Karen Anderson

Anderson focuses as he takes a put. Competition is valued on the golf team and Anderson adds to that spirit. "Parker and I are really competitive so we are always trying to beat each other which makes both of our games better," junior Cole Janke says.

For senior Parker Anderson golf is a family sport. Both of his older brothers took up golf before him, leading him to explore the sport as well and rise to the level of captain. They provided him with a goal of competition that has driven him on the course.

Anderson has been striving toward the goal of surpassing his brothers’ skills and is motivated by this challenge. He has acquired the position of captain on the high school team and qualified for the state tournament, placing fifth.

Besides his brothers, Anderson is inspired by others as well, including famous golfers.

“Tiger Woods was the one who I always looked up to when it came to golf and pushed me to try and become a dominant player like he was,” Anderson said.

Golf has shaped Anderson as a person, allowing him to encounter circumstances that are strengthening to character but not always seen off of the course. It requires a certain discipline that can transfer into other areas of life and pave to be beneficial.

“Golf is a mental game and has helped me with my confidence and my ability to overcome challenges,” Anderson said.

As a captain, Parker is invested in the team’s success and focuses on others besides himself. His role as a captain places him in a level of visibility to his teammates, much like his brothers are to him.

“Parker is always trying to make sure everyone is getting better every day,” junior Cole Jenke said.

The golf team is smaller than many other sports teams and thus the relationship between the golfers is tight. Anderson’s role as a captain is to help foster an environment where this is possible.

“The team is very close, we don’t get mad at each other for having a bad round or anything. Parker is very good at keeping things positive,” Jenke said.

Anderson will continue his golf career at St. John’s University but high school golf will be remembered by him as a pivotal point and molding experience.

“I am going to miss the overnight trips we take for tournaments and having a good time with the squad,” Anderson said.