Freshman Ben Matsuda ‘Swings’ Into Excellence on Boys’ Golf

Nicole Lu and Moer Koey

Ben Matsuda finishes his swing on the fairway. “Ben’s a freshman, and he’s playing solid,” boys’ golf coach Wind Ralston said. “His average is way below what it was for general rounds, which is good because that means he is playing better golf under more competitive circumstances.”

As a sport that is demanding of both skill and mental resilience, golf is often described as a game of focus. For varsity golfer and freshman Ben Matsuda, his dedication for the sport has shaped his mindset and approach to golf games.

At a young age, Matsuda was introduced to golf by his father who bought him his first pair of plastic golf clubs. Matsuda’s father was able to spark his passion for golf by driving him to golf ranges everyday. Since then, his passion for the sport took root and has only continued to grow. Through his diligence at practice, he has been able to improve his golf technique, which has been noticed by his teammates.

“Ben is really talented at analyzing swings and providing clear instructions,” his teammate, sophomore Lucas Lin, said.

Apart from improving as individuals, boys’ golf coach and social studies teacher Wind Ralston said his own golf philosophy is to have his players grow as teammates, which includes supporting each other. Matsuda is able to follow this philosophy as he uses his skills to support his teammates and has already shown that he can inspire other players to play better, according to Ralston.

“I paired him up with a senior, and the seniors’ game has gotten better,” Ralston said. “So I think, one way or the other, he’s doing what I’m hoping for.”

However, Matsuda’s journey on golf wasn’t without obstacles. Matsuda said he faced challenges with always being a short hitter, making it hard to keep up. With the help of his coach outside of school, Matsuta developed techniques to build a strong mindset going into tournaments.

“I had to get mentally stronger to be able to do well in tournaments,” Matsuda said. “My [outside] coach taught me breathing techniques and ways to prepare for tournaments.”

Other than receiving help from his coach, Matsuda also finds inspiration from his teammate, sophomore Charlie Chen, who motivates him to continue training diligently to refine his skills both at and outside practice.

“I look up to Charlie because of the way he is able to balance school and golf, practicing everyday while working hard at both of them,” Matsuda said.

Matsuda hopes to qualify individually for CIF as well as part of the team at the end of the season in late April in order to see results from his daily practices.

“My mindset is going out there to win, and saying I’m going to win,” Matsuda said. “I just don’t think about losing, it’s all about winning.”

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About the Contributors

Nicole Lu, Staff Writer

Nicole Lu is a staff writer for her first year on the Portola Pilot. This year, she is excited to write fun and interesting stories with her fellow team members! When she’s not stressing over an upcoming math test, you can find her listening to a Rotten Mango podcast, putting up with Moer’s never ending talks or debating on whether or not she should get a Chipotle bowl after school.

Moer Koey, Staff Writer

Moer Koey is a staff writer for her first year on the Portola Pilot. She is hoping to not procrastinate and write stories at three in the morning. She enjoys hanging out with her friends and making Nicole listen to all of her endless talking. When she isn’t trying to cram at the last minute for a test, you can find her in a Panda Express, munching down endless plates of chow mein.