Former Warrior standout Jackson Lyons hopes to step into the top spot as he heads into his second season of college golf.

Lyons, a former golf standout for Nansemond River High School, is heading into his second season at Virginia Wesleyan University. He had a strong freshman year, posting some solid scores to help VWU remain competitive in the conference. At the moment, Lyons feels like he is playing the best golf of his life.

“I feel great, and my golf game has improved a lot,” Lyons said. “I feel like it’s at its best it’s ever been.”

The VWU men’s golf  team will be without its top golfer from last season due to graduation. However, with Lyons being looked upon as one of the top returners, he hopes to be able to compete at the top spot and help VWU win games. Lyons will have to play well for the team to continue being competitive this year, and that comes with some pressure, but it’s something he feels he is ready for.

“Of course, there will be some pressure with the team relying on us to shoot good scores, but I think it will only motivate me to play better,” Lyons said. “I fully expect to shoot great scores, so I don’t feel any pressure on the course.”

If Lyons were to emerge as the top golfer for VWU this season, he has experience in that regard. He competed in the No. 1 role as an upperclassman for the Warriors, so he knows what comes with that and what is to be expected. He has goals to contend individually in every tournament he plays. Last year, he shot a low score of 76.

“I’m just going to strive to finish in the top 10 in every tournament that we play in,” he said. “I’m just going to trust my game and see where it takes me. I also want to make sure I’m helping the incoming freshmen develop as solid players as well. I’m just looking forward to a strong season in every aspect of my game.”

At Nansemond River, Lyons was one of the top golfers of the last five years there. During his senior campaign, he shot an average score of 79.5, which included a low of 75.