When the Whitehall golf team tees up this season, their matches will be defined on how well they’ve improved, and so far this season that’s been trending upward.

The Zephyrs are currently 1-5, but what’s more telling is how they’ve been slashing strokes off their rounds. Head coach John Conrad said that their outing at Bethlehem’s Municipal Golf Course last week was a good indicator of their overall improvement. Last year they finished with a 560. He said they were able to shave over 60 strokes off that round this year.

In that contest which featured Allentown Central Catholic, Liberty, and Pocono Mountain West, the Zephyrs were able to win the match against the Panthers. Whitehall posted a round of 491, 39 strokes better that PMW. ACC won the match with a 401.

Patrick Skinner and Hunter Kern both posted 93 to lead the Zephs. Tyler Ringenberger shot a 99, while Ben Antonchak had a 101, and Noah Zahradnik finished with a 103.

Conrad said that Bethlehem’s course is longer than Willow Brook Golf Course where they play their home matches, so it was a good sign to see them chop down their strokes. It’s another indicator on how well they’re progressing.

“It’s definitely going in a positive direction,” said Conrad.

Conrad said that it’s been very competitive in practice, and that many of the players have been able to post personal bests.

In their first match of the season, they posted a 502. That match featured Parkland, Pocono Mountain East and Pleasant Valley. Skinner shot an 82 to pace the Zephs, while Kern was next with a 102. Antonchak finished with a 104, while Ringenberger had a 106 and Leah Coleman shot a 108.

Conrad said that Skinner’s consistency has been a factor in getting their scores to drop this season. He said that he’s motivated to become a better player, and it shows whenever he steps onto the course.

While they still have a way to go to get to where they want to be, Conrad is witnessing that steady climb among his players. He sees a day when they’re consistently competitive with their Eastern Pennsylvania Conference South counterparts.

“We’re getting to the point where we’re turning the corner,” said Conrad.