Solon’s Isaiah Zoske excited for final high school golf season

Solon’s Isaiah Zoske burned inside when last season concluded.

Despite an extraordinary first round, state runner-up medal and the school’s best individual finish, Zoske was not happy when rain canceled the second and final round of the Class 3A tournament. It left him with spot shy of his goal and a burning flame to get it done as a senior.

“It put that extra fire in me, knowing that I should have been able to win at the state tournament last year,” Zoske said. “I’ve come in with an extra gear, knowing this is the final year. You’ve got to end it the right way.”

Zoske has been a consistent contender since his freshman season, earning three straight top-10 state finishes. He will attempt to make his senior campaign his best, yet. Zoske and the Spartans opened the season Friday, winning the Solon Invitational at Lake Macbride Golf Club.

Zoske was the medalist, carding a 1-over 73 and topping West Delaware runner-up Macoy Peyton by two strokes. Solon won the team title with 308, two ahead of the second-place Hawks.

Zoske has been anxious to start the season, texting Solon Coach Adam Stahle before official practice started.

“I’ve been ready to go ever since spring break started,” said Zoske, who also played basketball for the Spartans. “I’d say I’m eager. I’m ready to go. I want to finish it off like I’ve wanted every year and that’s by winning state.”

Stahle recalled Zoske’s state round, shooting 4-under and sitting two shots back of the leader. He said Zoske was 3-under on the back nine and gave back a couple shots after the turn. Zoske was upset despite how well he had done overall. After a heart-to-heart between holes, Zoske regrouped and closed the round birdie-par-eagle.

Zoske ability to snap back and concentrate on the next shot is special.

“It comes with time and repetition that he’s put in,” Stahle said. “He’s able to quickly forget about something bad and make it go well.”

Golf is a 12-month activity for Zoske. He doesn’t totally disengage from the sport and can be found at a simulator by himself or with buddies during the late fall and winter. He spends that time working on his technique or simply have fun.

“Golf is his love,” Stahle said. “The kid eats, breathes and sleeps golf.”

No golf round will ever be the same and that’s an aspect Zoske said is cool about the sport. New challenges emerge each time he steps to the tee box. Players are forced to constantly adjust and he embraces the task.

“You’re not going to play the same course, especially in high school,” Zoske said. “It’s not going to be the same weather or the same conditions at the course. The special thing about golf is you have to adapt.”

Zoske returns from a season where he rewrote the Spartans record book. He set the school’s nine-hole mark, firing a 29 at Lake Macbride. He carded seven birdies and two pars, leaving a birdie putt on the lip and coming up just short of setting the course record. He also became Solon’s first state runner-up.

Stahle said Zoske has good distance off the tee, a strong short game and can chip within inches of the cup or bump-and-run within a couple feet of the hole. Stahle can’t fathom where he will improve but is looking forward to seeing how Zoske elevates his skills.

“I know he’s going to improve, but when you put it perspective to what he’s already done, it’s going to be more of the same,” Stahle said. “It’s going to be fun to watch and be a part of.”

Zoske ranked among the state leaders in multiple categories, averaging 34.25 for nine holes and shooting as low as 67. He recorded a combined adjusted average of 37.02. The Kirkwood signee has been determined to better his short game to make more progress.

“I think I’ve improved every year I’ve been able to play golf,” Zoske said. “The fun part is as long as you put the work in, you’re going to see the results.

“I’ve tried to emphasize getting better at 125 yards and closer, dialing in my wedges was something I wanted to work on.”

Zoske is also focused on the team’s success. He was disappointed the Spartans missed state last season after the team qualifying his first two seasons. He sees the potential for a return and wants the company at state.

Stahle said Zoske has garnered the respect of his teammates from his first hole as a freshman. Zoske has maintained that as a leader for the Spartans. Stahle is excited to see what will happen this spring.

“It’s been a hell of a ride,” Stahle said. “I’m looking forward to enjoying the last year with him.”

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