Norman North golf team could make run at state title thanks to program started five years ago

Knowing that neither Norman nor Norman North had ever won a team state championship in golf, a group of parents became pro-active five years ago and instituted a middle school golf program.

The results have paid off as Norman North heads into next week’s Class 6A state tournament with a shot at the title. Adding to the teams chances is that the tournament will be held on its home course, the Jimmie Austin University of Oklahoma Golf Course.

Junior Drew Wright and senior Bryce Barnard tied for fifth place at the 6A West regional tournament Monday to lead the T-Wolves to a runner-up team finish to perennial power Edmond North at Oak Tree.

Having an organized golf team in middle school showed immediate dividends for future North golfers. This year’s group of juniors only lost one pre-high school tournament. And this year, the team has been among 6A’s best all season. Along with Wright and Barnard, Jett Johnson, Alex Newell and Matt Krutz round out the T-Wolves’ top five. All but Barnard will return next season.