Northwood High junior Pasha Besharaty picked up his first golf club at age 5 and has loved the sport ever since.

By age 9, he was playing tournaments. By age 15, he’d lowered his handicap close to scratch. Now, he’s captain of the Northwood team with a shot at the title.

“In his first match this year, he shot a 2-under-par round at Oak Creek Golf Club,” says Northwood Coach Zach Halop. “He really loves the game and is a joy to be around.”

Besharaty is known for his work ethic and calm approach to the game.

“It’s a unique sport in that it combines a lot of mental and physical prowess,” he says. “You have to strategize and stay calm because it is a frustrating game, while at the same time maintain your endurance, especially when carrying a heavy bag up the hill for 6,000 yards.”

Setting the pace for Northwood

Besharaty is pleased with his performance this season.

“My main goal is to break par a few times this year, which I’ve already done,” he says.

Around him, the Northwood team also has improved dramatically from last season, raising hopes that they can take the league title.

“We’re at the top right now due to some really talented freshmen we picked up,” he says. “Everybody takes practice seriously, and our work ethic is just great.”

Special practice facilities

The team practices every weekday at Oak Creek Golf Club and Driving Range.

“We work on each part of the game, spend some time on the range, on the chipping green and on the putting green,” he says.

“Also, once a week we arrange a practice round at Oak Creek to get ready for the match.”

Besharaty says he’s grateful to live and play sports in a city where there are top-notch golf courses such as the Tom Fazio-designed Oak Creek Golf Club.

“These are really great facilities,” he says.