Paxton Ingles has made mental toughness the centerpiece of his golf season, using a stronger mindset and steady improvement around the greens to elevate his game and help anchor a McPherson team with high expectations.
Ingles said his primary focus this season was not just physical skill, but consistency under pressure.
“My primary focus for this season was improving mentally,” Ingles said. “Mental toughness is the best thing to have in a sport like golf.”
That mindset shift has translated into measurable success on the course. After dealing with a difficult year personally last season, Ingles said he approached this year differently and saw significant growth in his performance and attitude.
“Last year was a tough year mentally for me, my grandmother was sick and it really took a toll on me and I didn’t shoot the best,” Ingles said. “But this year I’ve learned to be happy about the things that have happened, and this year I’ve improved tremendously.”
On the course, Ingles has become a reliable contributor for a McPherson squad that entered the season with high expectations and a No. 1 ranking. The team’s goal, he said, is clear from the start.
“We were ranked in the number 1 slot,” Ingles said. “We expect nothing less than a plaque that says state champs at the end of it.”
Individually, Ingles has worked to become more consistent and impactful for his team, avoiding the highs-and-lows pattern that can define competitive golf seasons.
“My main goal for accomplishments was to make as big of an impact as I can for the team,” Ingles said. “Having that one guy that can be either winning tournaments or shooting in the hundreds is the person I didn’t want to be.”
A key part of his improvement has come from sharpening his short game, especially around the greens, where he dedicated significant time to practice and repetition.
“I really wanted to improve on my short game around the green,” Ingles said. “Whether that’s from 50 yards or putting from the fringe, I wanted to improve on all levels around the greens and it’s helped me tremendously. I would sit in my basement and chip and put for hours on end.”
Ingles points to his tee shots as one of his biggest strengths, noting how crucial positioning is in setting up the rest of each hole.
“I would say my tee shots are my strength,” he said. “Getting the ball in the right place can help set up every other shot. It can really make or break a round.”
That combination of driving accuracy, improved short game, and mental growth has been reflected in his results. During the 2024-25 season, Ingles recorded two top-10 finishes and three top-20 finishes, with a low round of 78. In 2025-26, he has taken another step forward with four top-10 finishes and five top-20 finishes, including a fourth-place finish at the El Dorado Invitational, third at the Derby Invitational, second at the McPherson Invitational, and a first-place finish at the Rose Hill Invitational.
