BRUNSWICK

Brunswick High School golf coach Mal Strange has been teaching golf for a long time.

Recently, Strange was recognized by the Professional Golfers’ Association of America. He was elected to the “Half Century Club,” an elite group of members who have served the PGA for 50 years.

“It’s a great accomplishment for me,” said Strange, who will lead his Dragons once again this season, with Brunswick opening at home on Monday at Brunswick Golf Club against Lewiston. “You still have to recertify every three years and do certain things. It took me 4-5 years to get in, so this is an honor.”

Strange has a “Class A” rating, and plans on continuing to work with youth golfers in the future.

The high golf season is slated to get under way on Friday, with Morse and Mt. Ararat in action. The Eagles, after a successful run last year, have a new coach in longtime teacher and former Bowdoin College women’s golf coach Gerry Caron leading the way. The Shipbuilders look to have a solid core, while Freeport is trying to build up to success.

Of note, Wiscasset High School has dropped golf this year due to low numbers. Also, after the Maine Principals’ Association’s new restructuring, golf is now a three-class sport (Class A, B and C).

Here is a capsule look of the four area teams:

Brunswick Coach — Mal Strange. Last season — After 4-4 regular season, claimed sixth place at KVAC Qualifier. Region this season — Class A. Players lost — Henry Martinson, Anna Ferdinand, John Parker, Allie Ring. Returning — Seniors Ben Lord (No. 1, fourth year playing varsity), Josh Clark (No. 2 or 3), Liz Day; sophomore Zach Grant (No. 3). Key newcomers — Strange has 17 players out for golf, and will decide prior to the first match his starting lineup. From the coach — “We’re about where we were last season, maybe a bit stronger, with a solid top three who played in the MSGA Junior Tour. I am still looking at the ‘newbies,’ and will put together a lineup. I think we will do well.” Team overview — Strange always seems to find a way to get the most out of his golfers. Expect the same this year, with the Dragons looking to hit their stride by the midseason. Season opener — Monday at home vs. Lewiston, 3:30 p.m. Key contests — Sept. 4 at Oxford Hills; Sept. 8 at home vs. Mt. Ararat; Sept. 23 at Mt. Ararat.

Morse Coach — Leon Oliver. Last season — After a 2-0 start, struggled the rest of the way in finishing 3-7. Region this season — Class B. Players lost — Andrew LaCavera, Matt Fontanez, Brandon Magliozzi, Ethan Brewer, Casey Watson, Dakota Jacobs. Returning — Wade Daigle (No. 2), Noah Fisher (No. 6), Keegan McDonough, Sarah Young; juniors Everett Bates, Colin Radford (No. 4), Ayden Brillard, Evan Parsons (No. 1), Pat McKenna (No. 5); sophomores Brandon Barone, Gabe Bastien (No. 3), Olivia Carosi. Key newcomers — Sophomores Schyler Eaves, Nicholas Hennin, Spencer Knowles, Zoe Pascuzzo, Maisey True; freshmen Jared Harper, Ethan Testa, Jackson Walker, Jacob Anderson. From the coach — “I have seen improvement from several players this year, and I see our scoring average being better. Three to four players can shoot in the low to mid 40s. We won three times last year, and I expect us to be able to win at least five times this year. “It is always important to start the season well. We have Spruce Mountain in the opener, a team we defeated twice last year. I am hoping if we can produce some good scores that will push the kids to work harder.” Team overview — Oliver named his top six for the opening match after Tuesday’s practice, and the top four are capable of stringing together good rounds of golf. If the Shipbuilders can stay consistent, a solid season is definitely possible. Season opener — Friday at home against Spruce Mountain, 3:30 p.m. Key contests — Sept. 2 at home vs. Gardiner; Sept. 8 at home against Erskine Academy; Sept. 21 at home vs. Lincoln Academy.

Mt. Ararat

Coach — Gerry Caron, first season. Last season — The Eagles had a superb 2014 season, including winning the KVAC Qualifier and finishing seventh in the State Class A Championship. Region this season — Class A. Players lost — Tyler O’Connor, TJ Ackerman. Returning — Juniors Cam Cox (No. 1 or 2), Steven Schuman (No. 1 or 2), Jason Magno (in top 4), Sawyer Watson, Mark Abreu, Joe Beale, Joseph Patton, Tristan Olyphant, Kieley Hetherington, Bailey Charron; sophomores Sam Alexander, Cam Grant. Key newcomers — Will Kavanaugh, Zach Thiboutot, Cade Charron, Ben Hickson. From the coach — “These are a great bunch of kids. I am working with them to think the course and manage it. Playing safe is the way to go, especially at Highland Green, which is a narrow course. I teach to play the percentages of the course and to play smart. It is about the score. “Cam and Steven have done well, and I believe there will be some surprises from the rest. You will see a progression as the season moves on. There are a lot of players in junior high playing a lot of golf, and we are seeing that with our freshmen this year.” Team overview — Caron is a superb teacher of the game of golf, teaching at Highland Green throughout the years. He knows every angle, a tool that should help the Eagles at home to find more success after a solid campaign last season. With no seniors, this is a team that might just be able to challenge for a championship over the next couple years. Season opener — Friday at Highland Green against Oxford Hills, 3:30 p.m. Key contests — Sept. 8 at Brunswick; Sept. 16 home vs. Lewiston; Sept. 23 at home against Brunswick.

Freeport Coach — Peter Tilton. Last season — Finished 1-10 and missed out on postseason. Region this season — Class B. Players lost — Wynne Cushing, Alexis Erlandson, Molly Kennedy, RJ Niles, Zach Merrill. Returning — Senior Jeremiah Fricke- Theberge; sophomore Scott Donahue, Zach Bressette. Key newcomers — Senior Isaac Salisbury; sophomores Caleb Salter, Spencer Johnson; freshman Steele Young. From the coach — “I was worried that I didn’t have anyone for golf when we began sign-ups, but we have enough players to play matches, with the goal to work with them and make them better golfers. I don’t do this to win, but to see the players get better during the season.” Team overview — Playing in the tough Western Maine Conference will be difficult for the young Falcons. But, Tilton will challenge his players and see how far the improvement can take Freeport this year. Season opener — Sept. 2 at Wells, 3:30 p.m. Key contests — Sept. 3 home opener (Freeport Golf Club) vs. Sacopee Valley; Sept. 10 at home vs. Lake Region; Sept. 17 at Old Orchard Beach.