The Scituate High School boys varsity golf team has finished another successful season, with numerous players having their most accomplished year yet. For example, senior captain Austin Ryan solidified his outstanding golf resume, bringing home the Fisher League Most Valuable Player–distinguishing him as one of the best high school golfers on the South Shore. 

As a captain, Ryan says he emphasizes his team’s goals over his own. The goal for this 2021 team? “Qualify for states,” said Ryan. The team headed to Easton Country Club for the South Sectional championship, falling short of their high hopes and finishing fifth, although Ryan shot a low of 77 through 18 for a poetic end to what he calls “probably the best season of my career.” 

Last season, Ryan was runner-up to Plymouth South senior standout Nolan Skaggs. The loss fuelled Ryan to come back better, trying to take the coveted title during his senior season. Ryan added, “Last year was disappointing because I thought I had a shot [at MVP] seeing as our team was the best in the league, but there were some better players. This year our team had some of the best players in the league. Really anyone could have won from our team.” 

SHS freshman Luke Ryan, Austin’s younger brother on the team, sees his older brother as a role model. Luke believes having his brother on the team “impacts him a lot,” and that Austin’s successes will give him motivation in his future years as an SHS golfer. 

Boys varsity golf head coach William Seward has high praise for the elder Ryan. “I think Austin impacts our team in two ways–ability-wise, he’s excellent, and his scoring and playing directly impact our team success. Secondly, he’s a great role model on how to carry yourself in golf etiquette and is a great leader on the course and in school.” Coach Seward enjoys coaching Austin because he “has a great attitude, brings positivity to be around, and is enjoyable to be around.” 

A seasoned golfer like Austin Ryan understands his strengths and weaknesses. Ryan believes his biggest strength on the course “is and always has been wedges, it’s always been a strong point for me and is the area of the sport I practice the most.” On the other hand, “we don’t talk about my putting,” Ryan jokes.  Despite having four straight years of consistently good performances, Ryan is not sure yet if he will pursue golf after high school. He added, “It’s something I’ve thought about, and there are some schools I’m looking to attempt playing at, but academics will always be my priority.”

Although Ryan may not continue to play golf outside of SHS, he is sure to leave an everlasting impression on the program and the younger golfers on the team.