General Info

Duluth High School fields separate golf teams for boys and girls.  Each team participates in region 7 AAAAA.  Our goal each year is to represent DHS in an honorable fashion and compete on a high level with the best golf teams in the state.  Golf is a spring semester sport.  The 2011 season will begin on Monday, February 7.

Golf only fields varsity level teams.  We usually have around 10 players on the boys team and 6 to 8 players on the girls team.  The format for a boys match is 6 players play and we count the 4 best scores while in a girls match we play 4 and count the best 2 scores. 

Requirements to Play

In order to participate in any high school sport, students must be academically eligible (pass at least 5 classes in the previous semester) and be on track to graduate.  They must also have a GHSA physical on file before trying out.  If you have questions or need to pick up a physical form, contact Coach Fairchild or go to the AD office and see Coach Navas.

Players Who Make the Team

You must provide your own equipment (clubs, balls, shoes, and clothes) to be a part of the team.  Teams will sell Coupon Books in the Spring as a fundraiser, which will pay for tournament entry fees, salaries for assistant coaches, banquet expenses, and other team expenses.

Historically, we have not had cuts for the girls team.  As long as the number of players stays low, this will continue to be the case.  Trimming the roster through tryouts has been the norm for the boys team for many years.  The qualities we look for in a boys team prospect include: experienced golfers that play consistently, young men that will represent our school honorably, players that are genuinely interested in playing golf for a team which includes attending practices and meetings, and players that are determined to improve their golf and personal skills.  We will attempt to develop a boys JV team for the first time this year.

FAQ

How long is your season/during what time does it occur?

Golf season begins in early February and the state tournament is held in early May.

What is your practice schedule? (number of days per week, hours per day, time of day)

The golf teams (boys and girls) practice Monday – Thursday at Northwood Country Club.  The time may vary but usually is from 3:00 until 5:30 or 6:00.  When daylight savings begins, we may start later and end later.

What is your competition schedule?  (number of competitions per month, time of competitions)

Golf is allowed 12 playing dates for the regular season.  Each match that is played before daylight savings counts as ½ of a playing date.  Our schedule is divided between playing 9-hole matches (involving 1 to 3 other schools) and 18-hole tournaments.  The 18 hole tournaments are held either on a Saturday or a day off from school.  The 9 hole matches could be any day Monday through Thursday and the time depends upon the length of travel for the teams and course availability.

Is travel required?  If so, how far?

Players are expected to provide transportation to practices and matches.  It is common for players to carpool together or ride with a coach.  For tournaments, we often ride together.  The region tournament will be local, however the state golf tournament will require an overnight commitment.

Are there tryouts?  If so, when are they, typically?

Tryouts are held the first few days of practice. Cuts are usually completed by the end of the first week of practice.

Is your team divided into different categories? (Freshmen, JV, Varsity, boys/girls)

We have a varsity boys team and a varsity girls team.  We will attempt to develop a JV boys team this season.

What is the approximate number of people on your team?

We have 8 – 10 boys on the team and approximately 7 girls.

Are you required to spend time on the sport during the off-season?

There are no requirements as a team, but it is obvious that the best time to play golf is when the weather is warm.  Players are encouraged to play in junior tournaments throughout the year.  In order to improve, golfers are expected to practice regularly year-round.

Are there any requirements to be a part of the team?  (ex:  doing fundraisers, monetary contributions, purchasing of equipment, other)

Golfers are expected to raise money to support the program.  Players provide their own equipment (clubs, balls, shoes) and purchase a team uniform each year. 

Who is the coach/sponsor/contact for your sport?  What is his/her room number and e-mail address?

The head coach for the boys and girls team is Steve Fairchild (new gym).  The team’s administrative director is John DiPaolo.  We can be contacted at Stephen_Fairchild@gwinnett.k12.ga.us or John_DiPaolo@gwinnett.k12.ga.us.

Is there anything else important that you would like to add, concerning your sport?

Golf is a competitive sport and we want to attract the best players in the school.  If you are an inexperienced player, it would be very beneficial to take lessons before trying out for the team.  Contact Coach Fairchild or Coach DiPaolo for names of local teachers that have worked with our players.