As the state tournament opens, teams generally look to seniors for leadership.
The Beecher boys golf team, however, is led by a freshman.
When the Bobcats won the Class 1A Dwight Regional, it was Michael Barber leading them with an 80 for medalist honors.
Barber's youth is not a negative factor to coach David Serafin. Serafin is impressed by the strong work ethic with which Barber approaches the game.
Not to mention how Serafin sees Barber's youth as a huge upside.
"He has four years to get stronger, to get better," Serafin said. "His game this year has gotten longer, adding 20 yards. He's worked very hard and his course management has gotten better.
"He is a complete, well-rounded player at such a young age."
Next up for the Bobcats is today's Tuscola Sectional at Tuscola.
With Beecher winning state championships in softball and boys cross country in recent years, Barber and his teammates now want to put their program on the map.
Barber knows he has to work on all aspects of his game.
"I feel pretty good about my game right now," Barber said. "My short game feels real good."
Barber began golfing when he was about 7 or 8 years old and said he has learned a lot from a trying game.
"I've learned patience and discipline," said Barber, who plays about 72 holes a week.
He does a lot of putting and chipping before practice, sharpening his short game. Beyond high school Barber would like to play in college, though he hasn't thought about where yet.
He has more than three years before he will become eligible to sign any scholarship papers.
He also is strong off the tee, though he wouldn't commit to being a Jack Nicklaus-type hitter. He has developed his own individual style, preferring not to emulate any professional players.
That doesn't mean he wouldn't want to play professionally one day.
"I'd love to do that," Barber said.
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