Zane Downey has been the centerpiece to the Sand Springs’ golf team.

Downey, a junior, has had a third and fifth place finish this season and was within one and two shots from winning tournaments.

“I am very happy with how my season is going,” said Downey, a Frontier Valley Academic All-Conference selection as a sophomore. “I’ve played some good rounds and have finished 1 and 2 shots away from winning. As a team, we have finished runner up twice.”

“Very consistent golfer,” Sand Springs head coach Matt Webb said. “Has played better this year so far, and doesn’t get too high or too low.”

Downey has been around the game of golf since he was a child.

“I started golfing when I was 1, so for almost 16 years. I couldn’t even stand up on my own and I would use my club to help me stand,” he said.

Downey, who says his strengths are hitting the golf ball straight, chipping and putting, considers his teammates his rivals, but at the same time, his best friends.

“I want to beat them at every tournament, but I also want each of them to play good,” he said.

When he’s away from golf, he enjoys playing pool, fishing, or hunting.