DFJ photo by Angela Hewitt: The South Hamilton boys golf squad for 2026 includes, front row (left to right): Eli Coburn, Lane Widick, Quinlan Junker, Oliver Hetland, Mason Engelby, Mason Harlan and Nathan Friest. Middle: Connor Ash, Brock Weakley, Garrett Johnson, Blake Main, Maddux Becker, Trevor Zanker, Liam Ealy and Ethan Christensen. Back: Michael Carlson, Luke Martensen and Sam Koehnk.

The South Hamilton boys golf team will rely on a quartet of experienced players to help bring along a group of newcomers to the program.

Luke Martensen, Sam Koehnk, Michael Carlson and Brodie Harris form the backbone for what Hawk head coach Steve Butler hopes to accomplish this spring.

“Those four will set the tone for what is expected to continue the winning tradition here at South Hamilton,” Butler said. “With the graduation of our two long-time veteran players, we will be looking to fill those spots on varsity.”

Gone are Conner Deepe and Landon Sogard from a season ago when the Hawks reached the Class 1A state tournament. South Hamilton won a sectional and finished second at districts to make state four other Top-5 tournament finishes during the year.

Martensen was the low golfer both in nine-hole and 18-hole events, recording an average of 39 for nine and 83 for 18. Koehnk was at 43 and 86 for average scores last year as a junior while Carlson carded a 43 and Harris a 44.

Both Carlson and Harris had 18-hole tournament score averages of 86.

“The experience we have with Luke, Sam, Michael and Brodie will be our strength,” Butler said. “They know what it takes to make it to the state tournament and that experience hopefully will lead to another appearance this year.

“Mental toughness is something that I always stress with the team, and this year is no different.”

South Hamilton opens the season when they host Gladbrook-Reinbeck, Martensdale-St. Marys, Panorama and Perry for an 18-hole tournament at Jewell Golf and Country on Tuesday, April 7.

The Heart of Iowa Athletic Conference Tournament is scheduled for May 5 at Lincoln Valley Golf in State Center.