By Ava Skoglund and Mattea Cashiola
Philip Papanickolas ’23, a member of golf at Redwood High School for four years is finishing his last season at Redwood.
Papanickolas has been around the sport since he has remembered, he says, “I think I’ve definitely improved in all aspects of the game but most noticeably I would say my ability to navigate on the course.”
He works hard in golf so he can see his improvements, his main motivation is the game he plays.
Papanickolas shares that he looks up to his dad as his golf inspiration, “The golfer I will always look up to and idolize is my dad for not only introducing me to the game of golf but for being a phenomenal mentor to me for as long as I can remember.”
During his freshman season he did not get much as a golf season, due to COVID-19. Papanickolas however still remembers his first high school match and says, “… a feeling that I don’t think I’ll ever forget.”
Papanickolas says the upcoming season for the boys is naturally going to be different since Redwood is no longer apart of WYL but will be in EYL. This means the team will be playing teams they haven’t played before, which is going to be the biggest change this season.
Papanickolas also mentions his new team member Matthew Reeder who has transferred from an Exeter High School to Redwood to play golf and along with the new incoming freshmen, is going to change the game.
Papanickolas shares his favorite golf experience, “My favorite golf experience so far would definitely have to be getting the chance to play in a few bigger tournaments in northern cal and see just how good some of the kids up there are which has been a big motivation to my practice as of late.”
Reflecting back on the past seasons, Papanickolas says the highlight of his sophomore year was, “…shooting 78 in area qualifying and making it to Valley as a team, that was definitely a fun experience.”
The next year, Papanickolas shoots 72 and almost qualifies for Valley, which leaves his junior year with a disappointing ending.
However, Papanickolas is still excited for his senior season and says, “Go Redwood let’s have a great season this year and hopefully win our first Redwood EYL for golf!”
Ava Skoglund
Ava Skoglund '26 is a writer for the lifestyles section. When she isn't cheering for RHS she's talking to Rangers about what they do to keep life interesting.
Tags: rangers, Redwood, redwood gigantea, redwood high school, redwood journalism, redwood rangers, redwood sports, rhs, visalia ca
