GCSU golf goes Outback
Going to class, workouts and social life might take the place of golf for a few months.
One Bobcat golfer took a brief break from those plans last week. Junior Pedro Lima had a commitment that would lead him far away from his teammates and friends in Milledgeville.
Lima, one of the top Brazilian amateurs, was selected to represent his country at the World Amateur Golf Team Championships in Australia.
Presented by the International Golf Federation, this biennial event brings together 65 three-man teams from around the world. The southern city of Adelaide served as the host location for the 195 golfers.
The competitive rounds took place Oct. 16-19 with the players arriving much earlier to tour the city and have multiple practice rounds on the two host courses.
Royal Adelaide and The Grange Golf Clubs served as the championship test for the international event. These historic courses are significant in Australian golf history, having played host to countless Australian Opens and Amateurs.
Leading up to this global tournament, Lima won the 2007 Brazilian Amateur award and has represented his country on several occasions. Lima was familiar with his two playing partners from numerous junior and amateur golf events.
The teams did not have much free time to roam the city as their eleven-day journey included two practice rounds on each course and four tournament days. Heading into the event, Lima wanted to enjoy this unique experience.
“I tried to see everything as a positive,” Lima said. “I told myself I’m representing my country on a great course.”
The scoring system at the World Amateur allowed each team to count the lowest two out of three scores each day.
The first two days went well for Lima as he posted rounds of 76-73, placing him at four-over-par for the event. Brazil hovered in the middle of the pack throughout the first half of the tourney, posting nine-over par as a team.
Conditions got blustery the final two days as scores skyrocketed. Lima was four-over and birdie-less for the third round when he reached his 15th hole, an easy par-five, expecting a good number.
“I bogeyed the 15th hole, and my mind got blocked,” Lima said.
The Bobcat golfer finished the round on a bogey train shooting 81. Brazil posted nine-over-par for the day.
Lima spoke of the increased pressure he felt heading to the climax of the event.
“It’s hard to enjoy the moment because you are worried about a good presentation for your country,” Lima said.
From the third round on into most of the final day, Lima couldn’t find his usual tempo and rhythm around the difficult greens. Lima said he got some slow play warnings because he was trying to be too perfect instead of staying naturally aggressive.
The tough final round started poorly, as a triple-bogey on the fifth hole of the day caused more mental anxiety. With Lima’s ball in some wiry fescue, he switched clubs at the last second with a troubling result.
“I like to think I’m a smart player,” Lima said. “When I miss because of bad strategy it bothers me.”
After a seven-over-par front nine, the GCSU golfer focused on enjoying every shot. Lima said under the conditions his closing nine of even-par was the best of the week.
Brazil finished with a five-over round, placing them tied for 35th position.
Perhaps the most satisfying moments came after Lima’s last two rounds. He got a chance to follow eventual individual champion and U.S. team member Rickie Fowler.
Lima observed the game of one of the best amateur players in the world and came away with some ideas to improve his own golf.
“He (Fowler) always thinks the next shot will be his best,” Lima said. “He doesn’t let the external things affect him.”
Coming off this learning experience, Lima looks to be a force for Bobcat golf this spring.
Posted by Colonnade Archives
on Oct 24 2008. Filed under Sports.
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