With a strong core of returning starters and several experienced letterwinners, the Kirtland golf team enters the 2025 season with high expectations after a successful 2024 campaign that saw the Hornets qualify for the district tournament and produce a state qualifier.
“We’re excited for this year,” said eighth-year head coach Sam Kless. “We got better as the season went along last year, and the players peaked at the right time.”
Kirtland posted an 8-9 overall record in 2024, including a 5-3 mark in league play, and finished the season on a high note by winning the Chagrin Valley Conference postseason tournament at Fowler’s Mill. Four golfers—Nick Nead, Sammy Ridgeway, Ryan Green, and Danny Shafer—contributed to the team’s district qualification.
Nead, now a junior, led the way with a standout season that included a runner-up finish at districts and a trip to the state tournament, where he finished 20th overall. The reigning CVC Valley Division Player of the Year averaged 39 strokes per nine holes and returns as the team’s top golfer.
“I’m very excited for this year,” Kless said of Nead. “He has gotten better physically and mentally.”
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Joining Nead in the lineup is fellow junior Ryan Green, who earned first-team All-CVC honors with a scoring average of 42 per nine holes.
“I’m looking forward for Ryan to step up this year,” Kless said.
Ridgeway, also a junior, impressed in his first year of competition, earning honorable mention in the CVC. His all-around athleticism has translated quickly into results on the golf course.
“Sammy has really improved his golf swing and overall game,” Kless said. “He’s an outstanding athlete and will use that to his advantage.”
Senior Danny Shafer brings consistency and leadership to the team. A second-team All-CVC honoree, Shafer averaged 45 per nine and is capable of more in 2025.
“Danny has improved so much in the past year,” said Kless. “His work ethic is second to none. He could be a two, three, or four for us and is very capable of shooting in the low 40s every time out.”
Junior Maggie Kothera gives Kirtland an added edge. She earned CVC honorable mention last season and qualified for the girls’ district tournament. While she will compete in some girls’ events, she’ll also challenge the boys when needed.
“She’s not to be taken lightly when she’s playing with the boys,” Kless said. “She’s gotten stronger and has won a couple of tournaments this summer.”
Kless also expects junior Nolan Van Loan to make a push for a varsity spot.
“He looks like he’s ready to make the jump,” Kless said. “He has improved from last year.”
With five returning starters and seven total letterwinners back, Kless believes his team has the talent and depth to compete at a high level again this fall.
“Trusting their game and staying focused will be key,” he said. “If they do that, I think they’ll be fine.”
