Standout golfers looking forward to collegiate level

Fresh off a tough state tournament, Dodge City High School golfers and recent graduates Jarret Tagtmeyer and Aaron Mapel are looking forward to a bright future in college golf. 
    Tagtmeyer has been playing golf since he was 7 and has continued his career through high school. He recently won the regional 6A tournament and tied for 17th place at Monday's state tournament with a score of 80. He has signed to play for Dodge City Community College next year.
    Mapel has been playing since he was eight, when his father introduced him to the game. He finished ninth at this year's regionals with an 81 and shot an 83 at the state tournament. He has signed to play for Fort Hays State University next year.
    DCHS Coach Jim Mapel said he felt both players gave their best effort at the state tournament.
    “It was a very difficult course, and I know both of them felt like they could have played better,” he said. “They both gave it the best they had, and that's all you can ask.”
    A highlight of Tagtmeyer's high school career was the state tournament during his junior year. He ended up tying for fifth place, but he also enjoyed making friends with golfers throughout Kansas.
    “I have friends from all over the state,” Tagtmeyer said.
    Tagtmeyer enjoys the mental challenge of the game, but he also likes what it teaches players about life.
    “I like that you can play it throughout life,” he said. “I've learned that if something goes wrong (on the course), you can turn it around.”
    He's the longest hitter in the conference, but it is mental toughness that Tagtmeyer feels is his biggest strength in the game.
    “I don't really show a lot of emotion,” he said. “If they see that you're mad, they try to get in your head and make it worse.”
    Mapel enjoys the relaxed, laid-back pace of golf and feels his short game is his strength. His favorite part of high school golf has been making new friends, and he'd like to improve his mental approach to the game in the future.
    “I need to be smarter on the golf course and not let my emotions get the best of me,” Mapel said.
    Both players are looking forward to their college careers. Tagtmeyer knows that playing golf for DCCC will involve a lot of hard work.
    “I'm going to have to put in a lot of effort,” he said. “I have to show hard work and put in time in my golf game.”
    Mapel is looking forward to the competitive environment at Fort Hays.
    “I know a lot of the kids up there and have played with them,” he said. “They respect my game and I respect theirs. I think it will be a good year.”
    Coach Mapel said he thinks there is a bright future for both players.
    “Both of them are talented,” he said. “They've been playing golf since they were kids. They both work hard at improving their golf game.”