Gregory Graves is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Notre Dame Prep for AZPreps365.com

A new generation of golfers is blossoming at Notre Dame Prep. 

The Saints’ sophomore golfers, full of promise and tenacity, are having a strong showing for the team, and whispers of a dynasty have begun.

The boys golf team currently has seven sophomores on its team of 12. While there are few veteran golfers on the team, the real strength lies within the 2026 class. 

As junior Fin Vander Ark put it, “It gives us an advantage in youth.”

Last year, the Saints finished second in the state championship, and their strong finish was achieved with the help of the 2026 class. Sophomore Xander Mulder, then a freshman, came in fifth out of the 90-plus golfers who competed after he posted a 140 total through two 18-hole days.

Mulder was not the only member of the Class of 2026 to shine at the state championship, as sophomore Landon Ashcraft finished 11th and sophomore Caden Peterson finished 38th.

The strong showing from these players last year helped set up the Saints' upcoming state-title run, as the now-sophomore golfers will all play in this year's state championship for the second time in two years.

The other sophomores on the Saints' golf team are Carter Cruz, Frederick Egnatios, Brady Horwitz, and Cooper Ingram. 

“All of them are at least scratch golfers.”hHead coach Scott Watkins said

The sophomores continue to have an impact as they continue to dominate on the course, but what kind of an impact do they have away from the course?

“At school, you see everyone together, and no one is really doing their own thing.” junior Mitchell Curran said, “It’s definitely beneficial for the team chemistry and makes it more competitive as you are not just playing other golfers; you are playing your buddies.”

Part of the effect of having a young but close group of golfers is that it makes each and every one of them want to compete at their very best. And for many of the Saints golfers, the competition is against one another.

“The best players on our team are sophomores,” Watkins said. That comes as no surprise, as Ashcraft and Mulder currently are the highest-ranked Saints players on the state's junior golf scoreboard.

Both Mulder and Ashcraft will look to perform even better than their strong freshman-year run at the state championships this upcoming week, as the Saints top golfers will look to carry the team again.

“We have a dynasty in play with the incoming freshmen and the strong sophomore class.” Vander Ark said, “We have a great chance to win the state championship the next three years.”

Senior Dylan Wolfe, who is the oldest player for Notre Dame Prep, has acted as a leader for many of the younger players over the past two years. 

“They know how to work well with each other and come together well as a team.” Wolfe said, “Leadership as a team will help them succeed in the future.”