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08/13/2024 11:25 AMGolf is a sport that can call for a great deal of experimentation as a prerequisite to learning the courses. For Matt McManus, he has seen that up close and personal while developing a pragmatic approach to yield some superb solo and squad results.
The Hand golfer started playing baseball and basketball at a young age to start his sporting career. He was later given a set of clubs that his cousins had no interest in, but thankfully, it led to Matt having a great deal of interest in the game of golf. Matt worked his way up into a leadership office this past spring as a junior captain for the Tigers boys’ golf squad–nabbing both All-SCC and All-State Team accolades.
“With golf, I like to get it down to a science with my shots. Once I find something that works, I like to stick with the same stance and make sure all my measurements are just right. I will also practice for hours at the driving range just hitting the same club,” says Matt. “I did not think I had a chance at All-SCC at the start of the year because I was not doing well. [Head Coach Jim Holleran] told me that I had a shot at it with about a week left in the season. I knew I needed a good score at SCCs, and I got it. At states, I actually finished just one stroke shy of making the State Open, but I was still happy to make All-State.”
In a sport filled with ups and downs with every hole and swing of the club, some competitors can become creatures of habit when it clicks. Matt is no exception to that theory, as he looks to keep a good thing rolling. Additionally, he keeps a cool head when things seem to not fall his way–never wanting to give the adversary an upper hand.
“I am very superstitious; if I have a good day while wearing a blue short, I will do the same the next day,” Matt says. “If something keeps working, I will keep doing it. Also out there, I do not show much emotion because I do not want to let the opposition get an advantage from it.”
Matt certainly can bring the power to his golf game when it comes to stepping up to the tee. It has earned him some great admiration and a new moniker from his coach. Yet he does not get lost in one facet of his athleticism, looking to improve his finesse when it comes to bolstering his repertoire.
“I love my drive; Coach Holleran calls me Mighty McManus because of it,” says Matt. “I think I am also getting good at getting my irons locked in. I think I am a little weak on my putting and overall short game. I have been working on those things, but my chipping has been good.”
Stepping into the leadership spotlight as a captain a year ahead of most by being a junior, Matt emulated his predecessors. He explains that while he looks to lead by example with low scores on the course, he continues his mentorship by bestowing inclusiveness upon his teammates.
“I try to model myself after my former captain and teammate in Reece Scott,” Matt says. “I always make sure the younger guys are included. I want them to feel welcomed, and I try to give them advice about anything when I can.”
Holleran praises Matt for his ability to put perspective on any miscues or hurdles and use them to fuel future gains. He also commends his captain for his ability to lead by uniting the squad and being a trusting colleague for others.
“From his first day on the team, Matt has been driven to improve. He has faced disappointment during his career at Hand, but he has always taken that disappointment and used it to become a better player,” says Holleran. “During his junior year, Matt showed tremendous improvement throughout the season. During the second half of the season, I knew that Matt could be counted on to provide outstanding play in every match and tournament. His garnering All-SCC and All-State honors demonstrated how much his game has grown. As a captain, Matt has been a quiet but steady and effective leader. He leads players by example. He is focused on bringing the team together. He is a player that younger players can look up to and learn from. I know he will be an outstanding captain and player for us during his senior year.”
Hand had some strong pressure upon itself entering the 2024 campaign after garnering SCC and state crowns the year prior. While the Tigers did not defend their titles, Matt explains they certainly have a bright future and are poised to strike gold again, if they all stay on track with dedication.
“This past year, we had a young team after losing so many seniors from the 2023 team,” says Matt. “Coach Holleran kept saying how the freshmen had some major improvements as the year went on. Hopefully they keep working on their games in the offseason, and they can help with team scores next year. As a team, we just want to be better than we were this past year. I would certainly like for us to try to win both SCCs and states next year.”