Friendship flourishes on golf course for Larkin duo

Larkin senior golfers Scott Harm and Ryan Smith have been friends quite a number of years.

And that friendship has flourished thanks in part to the game of golf.

"In middle school I heard that Ryan played golf," said Harm. "I asked about it and we started playing at Wing Park (9-hole course on Elgin's west side). I started playing a lot and got competitive with it."

These days, Harm and Smith have cemented themselves not only as the anchors of the Larkin golf team, but also as one of the most talented and consistent 1-2 punches in the area. Smith is coming off a 2008 season where he qualified for the state tournament (and finished tied for 16th in 3A with a 73-76 effort). The duo is also looking to help get the Royals to their third-straight sectional appearance.

"I expect a lot out of both," said veteran Larkin coach Tim Jones. "They expect a lot out of each other. They are pretty poised and very experienced. It's always nice to watch them play. They play it well and they play like that all the time."

The friendship between the two has its advantages when it comes to the links.

"I practice a lot with Ryan," said Harm. "It keeps me more in tune. Playing with a player of his caliber keeps you going and makes you want to get out there."

"It makes practice more interesting," said Smith. "It puts more focus into it. It's more motivating when you are playing against your friend. It doesn't get too intense. We're pretty good about that. We have fun out there."

Smith, a 4-year varsity veteran who would like to play either basketball or golf in college, kicked off the season in fine fashion earlier this week by winning the Larkin invitational.

"I feel like my game is a lot more consistent this year," said Smith, ranked third academically in the Larkin senior class. "I've gotten rid of the higher scores. I'm managing myself on the golf course better this year. I practiced and played a lot more this summer and took lessons at Bartlett Hills with Bob Gavelek and that helped me out a lot to get me ready for the season here."

Smith said he toiled in five or six tournaments as part of his increased summer regimen.

"Not too many, but enough to keep me playing competitively to get that tournament feel for when the season starts," said Smith. "The summer prepared me for the high school season."

Putting is something Smith classifies as his current calling card on the course.

"I've been putting pretty well," said Smith, whose Larkin invitational-winning round of 72 was a high school career low (and his first high school individual title).

"I can rely on it. If the rest of my game is not working, I can make putts. I try and putt before every round. Whenever I'm practicing I try and give myself time on the putting green. I spend just as much time on the putting green as I do the range before I go out and play."

Harm, a fellow 4-year varsity veteran, has also laid on the consistency button this year.

"Last year I'd shoot a 74 and then the next day it would be 84," said Harm. "This summer, I was in the mid 70s. Hopefully I can keep that up during the fall here. I'm more consistent now around the 10-foot range. The big key is making more birdies and not 3-putting."

Harm, who also played in a handful of summer tournaments this year, has gotten his scores down by rolling up the proverbial sleeves. But there is a method that comes with his practice madness.

"It's more than just practice. It's practicing on the right things. That's the important thing to do when you are on the range," said Harm, whose career high school low is a 71. "I've focused a little more on my putting. It wasn't up to par last year. It's all practice. This year, I've taken it very seriously."

Harm, who sports a solid 3.3 grade-point average at Larkin and is leaning toward studying business at the next level, would like to continue to play the sport in college.

"This year is really important for me," said Harm, also a baseball player for Larkin. "Colleges will look at your scores from junior year to senior year and see if you have improved."

Smith said last year's state-qualifying experience was an eye opener. He shot 73 on the first day of the state finals.

"I felt I played well," said Smith. "Now I feel even more motivated to get back down there and do better. The way I've been playing, it's possible."

And Smith would like nothing better to have his friend right there with him in Bloomington in mid-October.

"It's a big goal for me," said Harm of making his first state final. "It makes me want to come back this year and play even better."