In boy's golf, the Ballard Beavers are closing the gap with eastside schools and their city rivals this season while fielding a relatively young team.

"We're picking it up quite a bit and are progressing quite a bit from last year," said Head Coach Ryan Nelson.

A year ago the team lost to many teams by large scores, as in the case of their Redmond match to open the 2006 season. Redmond won 183-255.

Judging by their subsequent scores starting the Garfield Bulldogs, Ballard showed improvement. Ballard turned up the heat on a talented Garfield team losing by only 3 strokes, 231-234.

Inglemoor beat Ballard 202-230. In 2004 and 2005, Garfield beat Ballard by 20 to 30 strokes respectively. Now the Beavers have gaining ground on other teams thanks to a youth movement that includes some freshmen who are hitting in the low 40s.

Ballard defeated Franklin 224 strokes to 229 to win its first match of the year on Sept. 19 at Jefferson Park. The Beavers then gave Juanita a tough contest in a 223-235 loss. On Sept. 26, Ballard lost another close match 221-242 to Bothell.

Junior Co-Captain Reese Futrell said the seniors last year were not serious about the game. The younger players are helping the team come together.

Futrell finished in first place overall against Garfield. He tied for second with teammate Sam Booth in the Franklin match and is hitting in low 40s and high 30s.

Booth is the other co-captain. He was second in the Juanita match.

"We have some young talent. Our coach is doing a good job. We are getting to know everyone and are bonding more. We're improving and getting better every match," said Booth.

Other players have made their mark. Niko Vanderven tied for second in the Garfield match and was fourth against Franklin. Reese Turner was fifth at Franklin. Will Tyler was fourth in the Juanita match.

Nelson said his team captains are focusing on making the team better. The coach is emphasizing the short game as the key to success this season.

City teams have the disadvantage of not having one single home course to play on. They divide their home matches between West Seattle, Jefferson Park and Jackson Park golf courses.

Many eastside teams play on private or professional courses. Eastlake's home is the famous Sahalee Country Club Golf Course. Redmond plays at Bear Creek and Woodinville at Echo Falls.

Eastside teams often have families with membership to these clubs and some have homes right on the golf courses, enabling them to play often or year round.

"Our goal is to be a competitive program and give the eastsiders a run," said Nelson.

Booth provides evidence of a bright future for the team. He learned the game from is father.

"I play with my dad. He got me into golf. I go on golfing trips with him. My dad got me into the game and gave me some tips. Now I give him tips," said Booth.

Nelson also coaches at Mountlake Terrace High School where he is a teacher. His grandfather, Jack Wright founded the Sahalee Golf Course and still plays at the age of 89.

Nelson is in his second year coaching at Ballard. "I love the support from the parents and the school. It's awesome and there are some really good kids," he said.

Upcoming matches include Lake Washington at Carnation on Oct. 5 and Eastlake at West Seattle on Oct. 12.