'This is a big deal for me': Cambridge High School hires 2017 grad to head golf program

CAMBRIDGE − Golf has been, and will continue to be, a big part of Jake Feldner’s life.

“I love golf,” Feldner said. “I eat, sleep, and breathe it. Even with work, I play as often as I can. “

Now Feldner will get to coach it, too. The 2017 Cambridge High School graduate was recently hired to lead the program he previously played in.

The three-time district qualifier and OVAC individual champion played collegiately at the University of Mount Union, where he was a three-year captain for the Purple Raiders.

“Being from Cambridge, a graduate of the program and the school, this is a big deal for me,” Feldner said. “Golf was a big part of my life growing up in Cambridge. I want to give back to the community and help our student-athletes succeed."

During the past few seasons, the number of golfers has dwindled. Feldner has two strategies to grow numbers and build back a competitive golf program:

• Developing players starting in fourth grade;

• and three "open course" days this spring and summer.

Background: Veteran Cambridge golf coach Kevin Smith retires

“The cool thing with the middle school program and other middle school programs around the area, is that they are a club sport and not sanctioned by the Ohio High School Athletic Association,” Felder said. “We can start middle schoolers before they are actually in middle school, so I am going to take the program and extend it down to fourth and fifth graders to build that interest early. “

According to Feldner, John Glenn and Meadowbrook both have players as young as fourth grade, so there are opportunities to play against kids at their own grade level.

Feldner is hoping to attract more middle school students with three “open course” days this spring and summer.

“I am going to put out a calendar of three days – one in May, one in June and one in July – where for a couple of hours, I’ll be at the Cambridge Country Club for anyone who wants to show up,” Feldner said. “It is not mandatory and will not sway my opinion in any way toward any athlete. I just want to get them out there and get them acclimated to the environment.

“I know golf is a costly sport, and it is hard to get one membership or time to play,” Feldner said. “I am a member of the Country Club, and I am offering this as a time to get in front of the coach. I’ll do some instructional stuff, but I just want the kids to have fun.”

The pro at Cambridge, Shawn Thompson, will set up two different courses so the fourth, fifth, and sixth graders can play a little shorter tee box, Feldner said.

During the season, (when accompanied or arranged by a coach) players have access to the course free of charge. Players do not have to become a member.

Feldner is circulating a Google survey to gauge interest and has set up social media to help communicate with players and potential players (Facebook, X, formerly known as Twitter). He is also visiting both the high school and middle school to talk with students.

“I’m super excited, and hopefully the kids will see the energy and want to come out and play,” Feldner said. “I am encouraging beginners. I do ask a question in the survey about experience, but that is not a deterrent. I just want to put our golfers in a good position and match our talent and skill level with our competition. We welcome new golfers.”

This article originally appeared on The Daily Jeffersonian: Cambridge Bobcats hire graduate Jake Feldner to take over golf program