Tea Area Boys Golf Team aims high for 2025 season

The Tea Area High School boys golf team is gearing up for another competitive season under the guidance of second-year head coach Amber Olafson. With a talented roster of returning players and promising newcomers, the Titans are focused on improving their scoring averages and making a strong showing at state.

Olafson is excited for the upcoming season.

“We have a full roster that can shoot in the 70s. Some of them have great short games and we’re looking to expand that to other team members,” she said. 

Olafson brings a wealth of experience to the role, having coached for ten summers with The First Tee program in Sioux Falls and Brookings. A former competitive golfer herself, she played at the middle school, high school, and at the collegiate level at South Dakota State University.

Last season, the Titans earned a sixth-place finish at state. Derek Andersen had an outstanding year, placing in the top 15 at nearly every meet and breaking a school record by shooting -8 over two days at state. Andersen and Landon Baker also made their mark at the ESD Conference Tournament. Andersen graduated last May. Brady Sabers also graduated last May. Both were great leaders and the top two players on the team last year, said Olafson. 

This year, the team will be led by returning varsity golfers Landon Baker (11th grade), Quentin Maag (10th grade), Gavin Shawd (11th grade), and Carson Case (11th grade). CJ Slack (12th grade) returns after a year off, ready to make an impact. 

“Baker will be the number one player on the team,” said Olafson. 

Baker placed at the ESD Conference Tournament last year, and begins his second year with the Titan golf program. Maag, only a tenth grader, begins his fourth year on the varsity team for Tea Area. And both Case and Shawd improved immensely over the summer so are ready for their first varsity start. 

Newcomers, Blake Lundin and Sawyer Slack, both 10th graders, are expected to contribute immediately.

According to Olafson, Lundin hits far and can shoot low and Slack can also shoot low — with continued consistency, Olafson is looking for both to make an impact. 

Olafson noted the team’s youth and lack of extensive competitive experience as areas to grow, but she is confident in their development.

Assistant coach Rick Willemssen will be supporting the team throughout the season. Key opponents to watch include Watertown, Harrisburg, Pierre, O’Gorman, and Brandon — programs known for their competitive depth and experience.

The Titans have their sights set on the ESD Conference Tournament at Brandon and the state tournament, with the goal of having at least one player place at each tournament and finishing strong at state. They also look to improve their averages from last year. 

2025 Tea Area Boys Golf Roster

Returning Varsity Players: Landon Baker* (11th grade); Quentin Maag* (10th grade); Gavin Shawd* (11th grade); Carson Case* (11th grade)

Other Team Members: CJ Slack (12th grade); Sawyer Slack (10th grade); Blake Lundin (10th grade)