Young Plainsmen golf team ready to learn, improve

By Samantha Goff

GRANT TRIBUNE SENTINEL

A completely new varsity lineup will take to the course for the Perkins County girls golf team this fall.

The five-player roster includes seniors Shyne Hickey and Karina Morales, sophomore Kinley Richmond and freshmen Paisley Holmstedt and Londyn Gerrard-Wright. All five golfers are new to the varsity team.

Head coach Jorje “JJ” Geisert, entering her third season, said the team’s youth and enthusiasm have created an exciting atmosphere as the golfers prepare for the season.

“This year, all five girls are new to varsity girls golf,” Geisert said. “It is very exciting to have fresh enthusiasm and the willingness to learn and improve.”

Perkins County graduated Jacqueline Gloy and Marley Fisher, leaving the Plainsmen without a returning starter or letter winner. However, the team has enough players to post a team score at each competition.

Two players enter the season with some recreational golf experience. Richmond and Holmstedt are familiar with Pheasant Run Golf Course and have helped their less-experienced teammates learn the course.

With a roster featuring two freshmen, one sophomore and two seniors, Geisert believes youth and excitement will be among the Plainsmen’s greatest strengths.

“Each girl is working hard to get a swing and understand course management,” she said.

The team has devoted significant practice time to developing its short game, particularly putting and chipping. Geisert expects those skills to become an important part of the team’s performance.

“We work every day on short putts and short chip shots,” she said. “We will be strong around the green.”

The Plainsmen’s inexperience will also present challenges during a relatively short season. Players must develop their swings while learning course management, competition rules and the mental side of the game.

“The season is so short, and there is so much to learn,” Geisert said. “But I predict by the end of the season we will have success.”

According to the Perkins County Schools calendar, the Plainsmen will open the season Monday, Aug. 24, against North Platte St. Patrick’s at Pheasant Run Golf Course. They will travel to the Bayard Invitational on Aug. 28 before competing at the Creek Valley Invitational on Sept. 3.

Perkins County will host its invitational Sept. 8 at Pheasant Run. The schedule also includes the Mitchell Invitational on Sept. 10, a home quadrangular with Sutherland, Southwest and Hi-Line on Sept. 17 and trips to the Ogallala and Bridgeport invitationals.

Class C district competition is scheduled for Oct. 5-6, with the state championships set for Oct. 12-13 at Lake Maloney Golf Course near North Platte.

Geisert said the team’s primary goals are to play competitive golf, show consistent improvement and record a team score at each meet.

“Thank you for supporting our team,” she said.

2026 Perkins County girls golf schedule

Aug. 24, 1 p.m. — North Platte St. Patrick’s, Pheasant Run Golf Course

Aug. 28, 9 a.m. — Bayard Invitational

Sept. 3, 9 a.m. — Creek Valley Invitational

Sept. 8, 9 a.m. — Perkins County Invitational, Pheasant Run Golf Course

Sept. 10, 9 a.m. — Mitchell Invitational

Sept. 17, 9 a.m. — Perkins County-Sutherland-Southwest-Hi-Line quadrangular, Pheasant Run Golf Course

Sept. 22, 9 a.m. — Ogallala Invitational

Sept. 24, 9 a.m. — Bridgeport Invitational

Oct. 5-6 — Class C districts, site to be determined

Oct. 12-13, 9 a.m. CT — Class C state championships, Lake Maloney Golf Course

Dates and times are subject to change.