Going into its second year, BSM Golf Club is back for the fall with plans to attract new members. The club includes informal outings to local courses around the Twin Cities. Whether you’re looking to improve your swing or enjoy the outdoors, joining will introduce you to new people and a fun time outside.
Lucian Gilliss, founder of Golf Club, came up with the idea last spring after being cut from the golf team. Last year, Gilliss’s club acquired 23 members, mostly junior boys. His main goal this year is to double attendance numbers and get more female representation on the team. Some challenges he ran into last year were setting up meetings and tee times that fit best to everyone’s schedule. Gilliss expects a smooth transition into year 2 and hopes the weather allows for a good fall season. Unlike the BSM Varsity golf team, the club doesn’t cut and anyone can join regardless of grade. “It’s open to anyone. The only thing is we don’t provide rides. You can ask people in the club for a carpool or anything,” Gilliss said.
Supervisor and current BSM teacher Fred Bandel describes the club as a fun group to be around and is thankful to give them the opportunity to play each week. Bandel also says that its relaxed atmosphere sets it apart from other extracurriculars at BSM, as nobody is over competitive and the main focus is having a good time. “It’s an opportunity for guys who maybe aren’t interested in trying to make the golf team or can’t make the golf team to get out and play,” Bandel said.
Although most of the members of last year’s Golf Club were upperclassmen, younger students are always welcome and encouraged to join. Mike Aamoth, class of 2026, decided to join the club last year to work on his game and spend time with his friend, Rainier Gilliss. Meeting new people and upperclassmen outside of his grade was one of his highlights last year, and he is excited for the upcoming season. He hopes to continue playing and eventually take over as captain with Rainier by his senior year. “I would definitely join because it’s a great way to get outside and play golf with some people you’ve never met and play new courses,” Aamoth said.
A tip for golfers interested in joining is to purchase a Youth on Course (YOC) membership. YOC-supported courses only charge $5 fees to kids ages six through eighteen years old. There’s a wide range of YOC courses around Minneapolis, and the BSM Golf Club makes sure all meetups are YOC-supported to reduce pricey tee times.