Discovering his passion, Senior Peyton Stauffer took up golfing following an injury to his throwing arm, sidelining him from baseball.

“I wanted something to spend my time on, and I took an interest in golf,” Stauffer said. “The first few times I just fell in love with it and I practiced and got better.”

Being a member of the varsity golf team and working at Crystal Springs Quarry Golf Club, Stauffer spends a lot of time in a golf environment.

“The thing I love the most about playing golf is the scenery and enjoying being out there and getting away from everything,” Stauffer said. “It’s relaxing and you’re able to not have to worry about anything and just get yourself in the game and enjoy it.”

Stauffer values his character, and believes that golf has shaped him into the person he’s become.

“I learned etiquette and how you’re supposed to treat others and respect others,” Stauffer said. “When I meet someone new outside of golf, I want to use those same manners.”

A friend of Stauffer’s dating back to the fifth grade, senior Ben Winchell says that Stauffer makes an impact on those around him.

“Peyton is a really great guy, he’s one of my best friends and he really cares about others and how other people feel,” Winchell said.

Winchell says that he’s seen golf positively influence Stauffer over his three year career.

“Honestly I think golf has given him a different view on life,” Winchell said. “He’s a good leader now, being one of the top golfers at school.”

As Stauffer goes on to attend Missouri State University in the fall of 2015, he is thankful for his golfing experience in high school.

“Golf has taught me overall to be a better person,” Stauffer said.