What started as a hobby with friends has quickly turned into an athletic achievement for 15-year-old Orion Miner (Huucsep Huukga).

     The Ho-Chunk youth recently completed his freshman season at Hinckley-Finlayson High School in Minnesota, finishing ranked 17th among Class A golfers in the state and fourth among all freshmen golfers.

     For Miner, golf wasn't a lifelong pursuit. He first picked up the sport after being introduced to it by a friend named Iverson and has been playing competitively for two years.

     "I go to the range and hit some balls, and then I go out and play," Miner said about his practice routine. "Every day."

     Whether playing nine or 18 holes, Miner spends much of his free time on the course. His dedication has helped him rise through the ranks of Minnesota high school golf faster than anyone in his family expected.

     "It's crazy to think that just a year ago he would come this far," said his uncle, Branden Miner. "He's improved at all aspects of the sport. It's awesome."

     Golf has become a family affair for the Miners. Orion's father, Derek Miner, mother, Mavis Lowry, and uncles Branden and Ryan Miner all support his passion for the game. His uncles frequently golf with him before work, while other family members help with equipment, transportation and tournament travel.

     "Our whole family is a golfing family," Branden Miner said. "Now that Orion really kicked into gear, we go out daily with him. If the course is booked, he'll find somewhere else to practice. If he's not golfing, he's chipping balls around the yard."

     Miner's grandmother, Lana Lincoln, said she wanted the Ho-Chunk community to recognize his accomplishments and the hard work behind them.

     "There are not a lot of Native youth represented in golf," Lincoln said. "I wanted people to know about what Orion is doing."

     During the season, Miner earned co-medalist honors at a conference meet and helped Hinckley-Finlayson post one of its strongest team performances. The Jaguars finished sixth out of 12 teams at the Section 4A tournament, competing against some of Minnesota's top golfers.

     One of the most memorable moments for family members came while watching Miner compete at Baker National Golf Course during sectional competition.

     "It was amazing," Branden Miner said. "The talent those young golfers had, and Orion kept right up with them. He's still so new to the sport and was able to compete right alongside them."

     Despite falling short of qualifying for the state tournament, Miner considers reaching sectionals one of his biggest accomplishments so far.

     "I was excited," Miner said.

     Family members say one of the biggest challenges Miner has faced is learning to move past difficult holes and disappointing shots.

     "When he feels like he's not shooting as well as he should, he gets down on himself," Lincoln said. "But that's part of the game. You have to learn from it and move forward."

     The discipline required to compete has extended beyond the golf course. According to family members, Miner has maintained honor roll status while balancing academics and athletics.

     As he prepares to enter his sophomore year, Miner already has his sights set on next season.

     "Go all the way and make it to state," Miner said.

     He also hopes to continue playing golf beyond high school and eventually compete at the college level.

     As summer tournaments approach, including potential junior amateur events, Miner will continue chasing the next goal on his list.

     "He's not grinding because somebody is making him. He enjoys it. That's what's carried him this far, his love for the game,” Branden Miner said.