As Sophomore Thomas Madrid enters his final Junior Varsity year, he hopes to make a massive comeback after what happened in his first official season. This is his second year on Lindbergh’s golf association, he has struggled in key matches, shooting a 52 against Kirkwood last season. It was a tough pill to swallow for him, but instead of dwelling on it, he used it as fuel. Now, as a sophomore, he is determined to prove where he belongs among the best. 

“I feel like last year I had a ton of pressure, as well as dealing with confidence issues because of my several sub-scores in the 50s,” Madrid admitted, “this season, I’m coming in with a different mindset knowing I can compete, and I’m ready to prove it, my stroke game has been the best it has ever been.”

Last season was a learning experience for Madrid, but it also exposed the gaps in his game. Madrid realized he needed to improve his consistency, especially around the greens, and to sharpen his mental approach under pressure. During the offseason, Madrid has been putting in the extra hours staying late after practice, adjusting his putting stroke, and studying his past mistakes.

Early in the season, Madrid was looking forward to their first match against Northwest, he went out to shoot a great score of 43. His confidence is evident, and his scores have started trending in the right direction. But Madrid knows the real test will come during the revenge match against Kirkwood. 

“Last year, I let the pressure get to me. This time, I know what to expect. I’m not the same player as I was constantly shooting in the 50s, this is my statement year.”