By Tyler Maheu, Staff Sportswriter
“The goal is to grow the game, and I think we accomplished that,” said first-year head coach Chris Bradley following the conclusion of the Woodstock Wasps’ 2025 golf season.
While the Wasps only won one overall match this year, they were always in the hunt, finishing with several second and third places at matches around the state. Woodstock alumnus Bradley recalled their win as his favorite memory of the season. “We got our win at Green Mountain National in Killington,” he said. “Everybody played really solid golf and we took the win on a tough course.”
On Tuesday, Sept. 30, Woodstock traveled to Swanton’s Champlain Country Club for the Vermont state championship qualifier. While all teams can attend, only six advance to the season’s finale. Sadly for the Wasps, they finished in ninth. “It was a tough day out there, I think everybody had a little bit of nerves,” he said. “Everybody played well, though, and kept their heads up. A ninth-place place out of 20 teams was a solid performance. Not disappointed in how we ended at all.”
Bradley’s individual standout for the season was senior Kyler Eaton. “Overall, he played a really great season and scored well in matches,” said the head coach. “He had a successful year as a top performer.”
This season was Bradley’s first year at the helm of his alma mater, and he went in-depth on his experience. “Overall, it was a great experience,” he said. “I had a great group of guys who were willing to put up with my learning curve.” He added that he appreciated that players were willing to listen to him and learn from him as a coach instead of a peer in spite of their close ages.
One aspect of the job that surprised him was how much work happens behind the scenes. “As a player, you are told when and where to go, then you grab your gear and get on the bus,” he explained. “As a coach, you don’t realize how much communication goes on behind the scenes between you and the school, the other coaches, the transportation.” He praised his fellow coaches in the Southern Vermont League for their willingness to guide him. “All the other coaches from the SVL were awesome,” he said. “They gave me lots of tips and pointers that were a big help.
Bradley remains undecided on next season as he considers the possibility of attending college, but said, “I’d love to return for a second year if that doesn’t work out.”
“Overall, I had a lot of fun,” he stated. “It was a great group of kids, and I loved getting back into competition as a coach.” Bradley continued his praise of the team. “I’m super proud of everyone who played this year, even the ones that didn’t play in competition. I’m just glad we got people outside and enjoying golf.”
