Hunter Arsenault: A rising star on the Saugus golf team

By Dom Nicastro

Hunter Arsenault, a junior at Saugus High School, has been a standout on the golf course this season, earning recognition as a Northeastern Conference (NEC) All-Star and stepping up as a leader for the Sachems. Despite a challenging season for the team overall, Arsenault’s impressive development and dedication to his craft have not gone unnoticed.

  Arsenault began his golf journey as a freshman and has made significant strides since then, both in skill and leadership. This year, he moved into the highly competitive number one spot on the team, a role that tests even the most seasoned golfers in the talent-rich NEC.

“He was with us last year and golfed in the four spot,” said Saugus coach Dan Bertrand earlier in the season. “He has moved up to the one spot this year, which is always difficult because of the impressive talent our conference has, but he has handled it well, collecting points in each of his matches. Hunter has an impressive short game and putts very well.”

Reflecting on the challenges of playing in the top position, Arsenault credited his growth to consistent practice and a commitment to refining his technique.

“Since freshman year, I’ve had a little trouble with hitting my driver, but this year I cleaned it up. Now I’m hitting it dead straight,” he said.

  Arsenault’s efforts culminated in his selection as an NEC All-Star, a recognition that came as a pleasant surprise.

“It was an honor to get All-Star for the NEC tournament,” Arsenault said. “I did not expect to get it—it was a big surprise when my coach called me up at the banquet and handed me the paper. Thank you to all the coaches that voted for me.”

Coach Bertrand noted the strides the team made collectively this year and how Hunter’s leadership helped elevate the group.

“I saw great leadership from the older athletes on the team setting good examples and good habits,” Bertrand said. “I’m looking forward to seeing how everyone’s game develops over the next year.”

For Arsenault, leadership meant encouraging his teammates to focus on improving their techniques and building a stronger team culture.

“The team was looking good this year. We definitely need some work, but I pushed the kids as much as I could to work on their golf techniques,” he said. “Next year, we should have a good team if we get all the kids we had this year back.”

Among the season’s highlights for Arsenault was competing in the NEC Open at Tedesco Country Club alongside teammate Artie O’Leary. The tournament brought together the top players from across the conference, offering Hunter a chance to test his skills on a beautiful and challenging course.

“The Northeastern Conference was a great time. I got to play with some great kids from Salem and my buddy Artie O’Leary,” he said. “Even though we came in last, it was a great time playing at Tedesco.”

Another memorable moment for Arsenault was the team’s lone win of the season against Salem.

“The best I shot this year was a 39,” he said, reflecting on his efforts to contribute to the team’s success.

  Off the course, Arsenault is a multi-sport athlete and an active participant in Saugus High’s Ski and Board Club.

“The rest of the school year, I’m looking forward to Ski and Board Club,” he said. “My sister and I love hitting the mountain together. There’s such a big group of us who love to ski and snowboard. We all truly have so much fun together.”

When the snow melts, Arsenault transitions to lacrosse in the spring, another sport he’s passionate about.

“I always look forward to it—it’s one of my favorite sports,” he said.

Hunter also plans to spend the summer working in electrical and other jobs to save for his future, balancing his passion for sports with practical goals.

  As the Sachems linksters look to rebuild and strengthen their roster for next year, Arsenault is optimistic about the team’s potential.

“Being captain this year was nice and such an honor,” he said.

For Coach Bertrand, Arsenault’s growth exemplifies the dedication and perseverance he hopes to see across the program.

“I’m looking forward to competing next year,” Bertrand said, “and seeing how everyone’s game develops.”