EDITOR’S NOTE: The Times News golf preview will be the only fall sports preview to run by sport. The remaining previews, which will run the week of Aug. 24-28, will appear by school.

The Times News/Lehigh Valley Health Network Golfer of the Year a year ago — Palmerton’s Jared Grammes — is back for his senior season and is hoping to lead his team to success while also eying a return trip to states.

In addition to Grammes, Tamaqua’s Sam Vinc will also be looking to get back to the PIAA championships after a stellar freshman campaign.

A number of other area golfers who competed at the district level return to their respective schools in hopes of improving on their past success.

Below are capsules for each of the area’s golf team. The regular season began on Thursday and runs through Sept. 17.

JIM THORPE

Head coach: Blake Yurchak

League: Colonial

2025 Record: 5-8

Home course: Jack Frost

Key losses: Jaxson Gehris, Mason Domski

Key returnees: Cooper Kresge (Sr); Kade Levan (So); Bryce McElmoyle (So); Blake Skrimcovski (So); Chase Matejik (Sr); Alex Bittle (So); Ryah Confer (Jr)

Others to watch: Trent Sutphin (Sr)

Season outlook: The Olympians have some experienced golfers back from a year ago. They will be looking to improve their scores for each match, and post a better overall record.

Quotable: “I’m very happy with the progress our golfers have made this offseason. They have put in the time and really improved.” — Jim Thorpe head coach Blake Yurchak.

LEHIGHTON

Head coach: Mark Maholick (9th season)

League: Colonial

2025 Record: 1-13

Home course: Jack Frost

Key losses: None

Key returnees: Mikey D’Amico (Sr), Kase Kleintop (Sr)

Others to watch: Grant Birnbaum (Jr), Luke Haydt (Jr), Braydon Ulshafer (Jr), Mason Parliaman (So), Conner Stay (So), Jacoby Miller (So)

Season outlook: Despite a subpar season record-wise a year ago, Maholick has the benefit of his No. 1 scorer returning for the 2026 season. The seasoned mentor mentioned that he’s “looking for Mikey (D’Amico) to have a strong season and return to form.” The coach is looking for leadership from D’Amico and his other upperclassmen, Kleintop. Maholick also has high hopes for improvement from all returning players.

Quotable: “Golf is a game that will reward hard work and dedication. Hopefully our returning squad will display the individual hard work and off-season preparation needed to compete in a difficult schedule and talented Colonial League.” — Lehighton head coach Mark Maholick

MARIAN

Head coach: Tom Jones (3rd season)

League: Schuylkill Division 2

2025 Record: 11-3

Key losses: Sam Farrone, Alex Krapf.

Key returnees: Carter Grant (So); Brayden Grant (Sr); Colin Yurkanin (Jr); Derek Yurkanin (Sr); Patrick Bonner (Sr); Gavin Zola (Sr), Gregor Poleschuck (Jr); Jacob Buzinski (Jr).

Others to watch: Lillian Parambo (Fr.)

Season outlook: The Colts finished 11-3 last season, just missing out on a spot in the Schuylkill League Division 2 championship match. Carter Grant missed qualifying for the district tournament by one shot a season ago and is expected to break out. Brayden Grant and Colin Yurkanin also played well in leagues and could make a run at qualifying for districts as well. Bonner, Zola and Poleschuck have improved and are expected to make an impact for the Colts.

Quotable: “Every one of our players has improved. I think our short game has gotten better which should help us have success. I think we have a really solid team 1-6 and in some matches, you’re going to see our players in the back end of our lineup have some good rounds and their score is going to count. Again, I think we’re very balanced and we should be a competitive team.” — Marian head coach Tom Jones.

NORTHWESTERN

Head coach: Tim Miller (16th season)

League: Colonial

2025 Record: 7-4

Home course: Olde Homestead

Key losses: Gracie Schleffler, Avri Chandler

Key returnees: Cole Dynda (Sr), Braden Uricchio (Sr), Skylar Kern (Jr), Jake Kozlowski (Jr), Alli Wright (Jr), Jordan Kubat (So), Mason Malosh (So), Cole Smargiassi (So), Wagner Stracco (So).

Others to watch: N/A

Season outlook: The Tigers turned in a winning record a year ago. This season, Miller said his team will rely on their strength — experience. All members of the squad contributed to a successful year and expectations are for them to do it again in 2026.

Quotable: “With the support of Olde Homestead Golf Club and the Smith family, we have been able to develop and sustain the interest in the Tiger golf team.” — Northwestern head coach Tim Miller.

PALMERTON

Head coach: Alex Knoll (12th year)

League: Colonial

Home course: Olde Homestead Golf Club.

2025 Record: 8-3

Key losses: Jason Carrelli, Luke Matsko, Dillon Borger

Key returnees: Colton Becker (Sr), Tucker DeSousa (Sr), Jared Grammes (Sr), Joey Solt (Jr), Chase Sebelin (So)

Others to watch: Jace Farkas (Fr), Brady Ivancich (Fr),

Season outlook: The Blue Bombers are hoping to springboard off their 8-3 record from a year ago. Expected to lead the way is Times News Golfer of the Year and state qualifier Jared Grammes. Palmerton is looking to qualify in the top four of the league to make it back to the championship event. Knoll, who has an overall coaching record of 126-62, stressed that many golfers are vying to fill out the 6-8 spots in the lineup. The Bombers will need some players to step up in the final scoring spots in order for the team to reach the postseason.

Quotable: “We are very strong up top, but younger towards the fifth score. If we find a consistent fifth score, we should be very competitive within the league and districts.” — Palmerton head coach Alex Knoll.

PANTHER VALLEY

Head coach: Greg Surotchak (5th season)

League: Schuylkill Division 1

Key losses: Cameron Cooper, Ava Alabovitz

Home course: White Birch

Key returnees: Michael Demyanovich (So); Braden Flanagan (Jr); Bradley Barlett (Sr); Jonathan Barlett (So); Spencer Schirer (Jr); Callie Kosciolek (Sr); Natalie Romankow (Jr); SadieMae Frets (Jr)

Others to watch: Abe Greenly (Fr); Cason Stawiarski (Jr); Grady Shellhammer (Jr); Jake Kattner (Jr).

Season outlook: The Panthers finished the season without a team win in 2025, having to play in Class 3A and the always tough Schuylkill League Division 1. Getting better every day to better compete is a team priority for PV.

Quotable: “We are returning with a young team and working on growing and improving with our process we have in place. We are focused on player development and setting reasonable goals for ourselves. I believe our golfers are going to make successful strides in 2026.” — Panther Valle head coach Greg Surotchak.

PLEASANT VALLEY

Head coach: Steve Krechel (35th year)

League: Eastern Pennsylvania Conference

2025 Record: 9-9

Home course: Indian Mountain

Key losses: Scotty Schenk, Austin Balanca, Cole Speicher

Key returnees: Drew Patascher (Jr), Noah Conklin (Sr), Jamie Jones (Sr), Christian Knight (Sr), Isaac Klein (Sr), Blake Regina (Sr).

Others to watch: Cooper Kromer (Sr), Peyton Kirvan (Jr), Parker Ahner (So), Jason Hnat (Fr).

Season outlook: With a roster full of upperclassmen, the Bears will look to the years of experience on the varsity links to lead them to a winning record. Krechel, PV’s seasoned mentor who has an overall mark of 279-255, has seen several of his Bears make the most of the off-season by working hard on their all-around game.

Quotable: “The kids are talking about going .500 in the league so we can play in the league tournament. Also, it would be great for someone individually to finish well at districts and move on to states.” — Pleasant Valley head coach Steve Krechel.

TAMAQUA

Head coach: Matt Stine

League: Schuylkill Division 1

2025 Record: 5-8

Key losses: Nick DeHaven, Addison Rummel, Savannah Wilson, Logan Wargo

Key returnees: Kenneth Bailey (Sr), Jacob Fritzinger (Jr), Corabel Najarro (Jr), Brody Boyle (So), Sam Vinc (So)

Others to watch: Mason Evans (So), Knox Hill (So), Keith Fink (Fr), Koda McMullen (Fr), Porter Wilson (Fr)

Season outlook: Despite losing six golfers to graduation, the Blue Raiders return four starters from last year’s squad. Experience should help them improve on last year’s 5-8 record.

Quotable: “We will be a young team this year, anticipating several sophomore and freshmen starters along with key upperclassmen in the lineup. Watch out for the Baby Blue Raiders.” — Tamaqua head coach Matt Stine.

WEATHERLY

Head coach: Brian Kaminski (10th year)

League: Schuylkill Division 2

2025 Record: 1-12

Home course: White Birch

Key losses: Ian McKeegan

Key returnees: Jacob Hinkle (Sr); Matt Adler (Sr); Eli Brown (So); Brad Connors (Sr); Joey Esposito (Jr); Kameron Jacoby (Sr); and Chance Stauffer (Sr)

Others to watch: There are several new gofers in the fold, and it is too early to tell.

Season outlook: The Wreckers have a solid veteran core returning, providing them with plenty of initiative to improve on their record from last year. According to Kaminski, who will be assisted by Will Bartel, they have good overall numbers, which will provide depth. Interest in the program continues to build.

Quotable: “We are looking to improve with the quality of golfers we have returning and look forward to the development of the young/new players that we have on the roster. The kids are looking to make a dent in the division two race and keep pace with a very competitive division two race.” — Weatherly head coach Brian Kaminski.