By:
Katie Dillard, PGA, LPGA, Director of Instruction
This year marked an exciting new chapter for junior golf at Cordillera Ranch with the launch of Team Cordillera — an advanced junior program created for young golfers who are competing and aspiring to take their game to the next level. Designed as an extension of the Club’s established junior golf initiative, Linkstars, the program provides players with the opportunity to experience competitive golf in a structured, team-oriented environment.
Throughout January, junior golfers participated in qualifying rounds to earn a place on the inaugural spring roster. Those selected began weekly Saturday practices while also representing Cordillera Ranch in inter-club matches at premier courses throughout the area. From the very beginning, the enthusiasm surrounding the program was evident, with players and families embracing both the competitive and developmental aspects of the experience.
Team Cordillera was created with a vision rooted in personal experience and inspired by the powerful role team golf can play in a junior player’s development. While golf is traditionally viewed as an individual sport, the team environment introduces an entirely different dynamic — one that motivates players, builds confidence, and teaches invaluable life lessons. For many young golfers, it also serves as a stepping-stone toward future opportunities in high school, and for those who aspire beyond that, collegiate golf.
Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of the program so far has been watching the players build friendships, encourage one another, and take pride in representing their Club together. The camaraderie developed through practices and matches has created an environment where players are pushing each other to improve, while genuinely enjoying the experience along the way. Seeing the excitement surrounding practices, team events and competition has reinforced exactly why the program was created.
As the team continues practicing throughout the summer, preparations are already underway for the fall season. Qualifying for the fall roster will take place throughout June, July and August, with fall practices and matches resuming in September. To qualify, juniors must submit a 9-hole scorecard from the teal tee box signed and attested by an adult golf member. The lowest scores submitted will be considered for the team. The coaching staff looks forward to continuing to grow the program while creating opportunities for junior golfers to compete, develop, and create lasting memories through the game.
The launch of Team Cordillera represents far more than a new competitive program — it reflects a continued commitment to developing not only better golfers, but confident teammates and young leaders as well.
Spring 2026 Team Roster
Carson Crites
Tessa Gonzalez
Carson Gulley
Ryan Hale
Gardner Hall
Preston Hill
Tuk Langford
Gage Morris
Merit Snow
Benjamin Sprencel
Christian Sprencel
SPRING MATCH RECAP
Match One
Cordillera Ranch vs.
Dominion Country Club (Away)
Team Cordillera opened its inaugural season in impressive fashion with a victory on the road at Dominion Country Club on March 21.
Leading the way in the Tiger Division were Carson Crites and Gardner Hall, who fired an outstanding one-under-par 35 to claim first place. In the Scottie Scheffler Division, Carson Gulley and Ryan Hale matched the performance with another stellar one-under-par 35 to secure their division title.
Additional strong performances helped seal the overall victory for Cordillera Ranch. Tuk Langford, Gage Morris and Benjamin Sprencel posted a solid 38 to earn second place, while Merit Snow and Tessa Gonzalez contributed valuable points with a determined round of 51.
The season-opening victory set the tone for what would become a remarkable spring campaign.
Match Two
Cordillera Ranch vs.
Dominion Country Club (Home)
Following a successful debut on the road, Team Cordillera returned home on May 2 and once again showcased the depth and competitiveness of the program.
Gardner Hall and Carson Crites continued their exceptional play, capturing the Silver Division title with an impressive score of 39. The Teal Division featured particularly strong competition, with the winning team posting a score of 40. Gage Morris, Tuk Langford and Benjamin Sprencel delivered another excellent performance, narrowly missing the top spot after carding a 44. Carson Gulley and Tessa Gonzalez followed closely behind with a solid 45 to earn a third-place finish.
The home match further demonstrated the team’s consistency, growth and competitive spirit throughout the season.
Match Three
Cordillera Ranch vs.
The Club at Sonterra (Away)
Team Cordillera closed out an exceptional spring season on May 9 with a final road match at The Club at Sonterra.
Carson Crites and Gardner Hall capped off a flawless season in style, finishing tied for first after an even-par performance. Benjamin and Christian Sprencel paired together for the first time and immediately found success, posting an outstanding 39 to earn a tie for second place. Rounding out the day, Carson Gulley and Tuk Langford delivered another steady performance with a 43 to finish fifth in a competitive field.
As the inaugural spring season came to a close, the success of Team Cordillera was evident not only in the scores, but also in the enthusiasm, teamwork and friendships developed along the way. The players embraced the team environment, supported one another throughout the season, and proudly represented Cordillera Ranch both at home and on the road.
With fall qualifying underway this summer, and competition resuming in September, the future of junior golf at Cordillera Ranch looks exceptionally bright.
Katie Dillard, PGA, LPGA, is the Director of Instruction at The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch. She can be reached at kdillard@cordilleraranch.com and 830.336.4653.
