With all but one starter returning, the Oak Harbor High School boys golf team will be among the Western Conference’s best this year.

The Wildcats could have been even better. Its top golfer from last year, Mac Kerfoot, didn’t graduate but transferred to school in Canada, according to coach David Smith.

Kerfoot, a two-time state qualifier, was the Wesco tournament champion and a first-team, all-league selection.

Even with Kerfoot gone, the Wildcats are solid with six returning letter winners, all seniors: Hunter Adams, Tom Dale, Mason Dieter, Aaron Kelley, Raiden Poe and Steven Timm.

Adams earned second-team, all-Wesco honors in 2014.

Also back is senior Ben Fikse, who played as a sophomore but sat out last spring.

“We’ve got a full crew of seniors who have a lot of experience,” Smith said.

Smith said he likes the improvement of Dieter and Poe, who worked hard in the offseason.

A key newcomer, according to Smith, is sophomore Caleb Brooksheir.

Oak Harbor finished third in the league and fifth at district last year.

“I would say this group has a pretty solid chance to be top three,” Smith said.

“Depending on how they play in the tournaments, we have a chance to send two or three to state. We definitely have the potential. All have shot below 80.”

One of the keys to success this year is how the players handle adversity, Smith said.

In the past, they have let a bad shot affect the next. Being able to refocus after a bad hole is important, Smith said.

“Everyone has a bad hole,” Smith said. “That’s part of golf.”

Oak Harbor hosts Monroe at 1 p.m. Monday, March 16, at the Whidbey Golf Club in the season opener.