Greenwood freshman Kalen Rowland watches his putt during a recent practice at Valle Vista.
Rob Baker | For the Daily Journal
Kalen Rowland’s ascent to the top of Greenwood’s lineup wasn’t what one would refer to as a time-consuming endeavor.
Unlike the majority of freshmen, Rowland immediately demonstrated the type of talent, commitment and, yes, game necessary to lead a Woodmen starting lineup comprised of all underclassmen.
“I feel like I’ve had a lot of experience with it,” said the 6-foot, 138-pound Rowland, who turned 15 in April. “Just playing against some really good players in the state, it gets you ready for this.”
Whether Rowland remains entrenched as Greenwood’s No. 1 for the duration of his prep career is a puzzle unsolved at this point. He’s surrounded by older and in some cases more experienced teammates.
But he’s there now, enjoying every swing of it.
“Kalen is one of those kids who wants to play No. 1,” first-year Woodmen coach Michael Brooks said. “He thrives with that pressure. Kalen plays all summer long, understands his game and just has a drive when it comes to golf.
“I coached him last year in middle school, so I had a front-row seat. Kalen has such a mature attitude for being so young. I think it’s more from him playing his whole life, and he has a great set of parents.”
Rowland spread himself thin athletically at a young age, participating in soccer, football, basketball, baseball and golf. And though he enjoyed certain aspects of every sport, something about tee shots, iron play and lining up putts connected with him.
“When I was probably 4 or 5, I would hit golf balls in the back yard,” Rowland said. “When I was 8, that’s when I started playing local tournaments. Golf is just something I grew up with.
“As the years went along, the (sports) just narrowed down. I really enjoyed playing sports with my friends. But as you get older, you kind of find the one you like the most. I’ve just always found golf to be super fun.”
Rowland typically plays golf six days a week this time of year, leaving Sundays for attending Crosspointe Community Church and taking part in its youth group in the evenings.
He carries a nine-hole stroke average of 39.3 going into Thursday’s match against Greenfield-Central at Valle Vista Golf Club. Following him in the lineup, in order, are juniors Davis Arthur (42.0) and Jahlen Burton (42.6), sophomore Braden Chase (45.7) and another 11th-grader in Cruse Glidden (47.6).
A year ago at this time, only Arthur and Burton were part of the Woodmen lineup that placed eighth at the Franklin Sectional.
On Tuesday, Greenwood takes part in the Mid-State Conference tournament at Foxcliff Golf Club in Martinsville. Two days later, the Legends Golf Course in Franklin hosts the annual Johnson County tourney featuring seventh-ranked Center Grove, the host Grizzly Cubs and more.
“I feel like if we really had a good day, we could get out of sectional, especially next year,” Rowland said. “At Mid-State, I think we would be happy with a top-three finish. If we start well, I think we could have a good round.”
Impressive as his debut varsity season has been, Rowland isn’t satisfied.
“I feel like Kalen’s strength is his willingness to get better,” Brooks said. “Going out after practice and working on what was the struggle.”
