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05/14/2024 11:43 AMStaying fully committed to the course and blocking out any outside noise or volume between the ears has helped Tyler Ruel become both a skilled golfer and leader, along with establishing himself as a pivotal pillar to the growth of the Valley Regional golf program.
The Warriors senior captain began playing various sports as a youngster, including baseball and soccer. He later dropped soccer after his junior year to focus more on the links and his academic and extracurricular obligations.
This year for Valley, Tyler has backed up his leadership qualities with sound athleticism–being a match medalist on several occasions, including in a round of 37 at Indian Springs against North Branford on April 29.
“I started golf my freshman year with not much prior experience, but I loved the individual aspect of it and growing your own game,” says Tyler. “In the beginning, I became a junior member at the Black Hall Golf Club [Valley’s home course], and I had a lot of help from the pros there. Also, the summer of my freshman year, I played a round of golf every day. I stayed committed, and I do not let the bad shots bother me. I also watch YouTube videos, but it has been about practicing every day. I found my game early on this year, and I shot a great round at Indian Springs.”
In a game of so many variables, one thing that will never be consistent with a golfer is the shot quality. Tyler explains that you have to have a bit of memory loss in those scenarios while never taking the big stage too seriously.
“I always tell myself and the team to focus on the next shot, recover, and put it out of your mind. It is so important to just relax on that first tee of a match,” says Tyler. “The pressure can help me play better at times, and there are so many little things that can mess with your mind. So much of golf is just in your head, so I take a more relaxed approach. I let the bad shots go and just try to scrape the rest together.”
Tyler is a very humble linksman by admitting that no golfer, whether professional or amateur, is a master of any attribute of the game. He explains there is an added element to the challenge by traversing terrains of varying conditions while balancing long and short games.
“I would say most people have not mastered any skill, but they can always be better at them. Some days my drives are good but my putting is bad and vice versa. Yet I feel a drive is a strong component of my game, and I can fade and draw if needed,” Tyler says. “If I am mentally focused and my short game is good, I can put together a good round. It can be difficult because you are playing so many courses with different speeds and breaks on the greens, and if they have just been treated, you just have to adapt your game to each match and course.”
In his second stint as a captain for the Warriors, Tyler has maintained a mission statement of entertainment and enjoyment above all else. He details that if you start there, it will flow throughout the rest of the team and they will see solo success.
“My main focus with the team is just having fun and improving. We are a young team this year with many golfers just starting,” says Tyler. “Some people are discouraged from golf because they think you must be really good at it, but it is just about having fun. I went into the season with the approach to the team to just have fun and enjoy it, build the program, and improve. I try to say the little things and have that positive reinforcement to help continue their enjoyment.”
While praising Tyler for his lengthy list of extracurricular activities, Head Coach Brian Dailey knows that his assimilation into the Warriors’ golf family would not have been possible without Tyler’s assistance and leadership. He is also wise to the fact that the entire entity of Valley golf would not be in the favorable state it is without Tyler.
“Tyler is a three-year soccer player and four-year golfer at Valley. As you know, he is our captain and has medaled in most of our matches. He’s been a strong advocate for the golf program at Valley, really taking charge this past fall,” says Dailey. “The team went through a coaching transition, and during that time, Tyler really served as the sole leader of the program. He’s the president of FBLA [Future Business Leaders of America] at Valley and an Eagle Scout. He’s also in the international baccalaureate diploma program. In my opinion, he has been the anchor to hold the program together. Coming into this season, I already knew Tyler from previous seasons. When I joined Valley Regional this year, it was instantly clear that this was his team. He carries himself in a way that commands respect. Between that, his play on the course, and his very welcoming personality, he is a natural leader for our club. He has welcomed me in the same manner that he has welcomed our new players this season. He's incredibly humble and will surely be missed next season.”
In looking to grow the game within the Valley community and its encompassing towns, Tyler feels the main course itself serves as a solid recruitment chip. Still, it is also about the friendly and family feel fostered within the walls of the Warriors’ clubhouse.
“Black Hall Golf Club is one of the top courses in the state, and I think that can be a key component to the program in getting more people to join the team,” says Tyler. “The atmosphere we have created as a team is one that is very fun and not intimidating. We want to focus on each shot but have fun. Coach Dailey is a good golfer and is willing to help the team grow. He will foster a successful team in the future, and in the long term, having young interest in the program is a good sign.”