Golf shaping up for spring

The last competitive rounds for the GCSU golf team occurred almost four months ago. Class, workouts and self-disciplined practice passed the time.One week after the start to the spring semester, qualifying for the opening event began. Ten guys for five traveling spots. Knocking off the rust became a necessity for those wanting to play in the spring kickoff in Lakeland, Fla.

Several players who did not compete last fall hoped to break into the starting five. A tall order, considering the highest scoring average was a shade over 74 and the worst tournament finish was sixth amongst these players.

Still, the unpredictable winter weather and course conditions can shake things up. Several scenarios are possible when the team plays almost ten rounds.

Over the past few weeks, the GCSU golfers played at the Milledgeville Country Club (MCC), The Golf Club at Cuscowilla and Harbor Club. These span the spectrum from a tricky local layout to challenging championship designs of Lake Oconee.

The scoring averages through seven rounds reflect the differences in course design. When comparing team totals, the MCC yielded a 73.8 team average over two rounds played.

In contrast, two team rounds at Harbor Club ended with a group average of 76.6. Three rounds at the par-70 Cuscowilla layout proved to be the most challenging in relation to par, as the team averaged six-over.

Currently, the top five mirrors the fall lineup. Sophomore Joe Young has the low total at two-over-par, with juniors Francisco Bide and Niclas Johansson five and nine shots back.

Neither Bide or Young shot over 74 in any round. Bide’s four-under-par 66 at Cuscowilla Feb. 1 was the lowest qualifying round in two years, when he carded the same number at Harbor Club. Bide said the low round came from having no expectations and a good day on the greens.

Despite Bide’s scorching round, Johansson had the highlight of spring qualifying, when he aced the 16th hole at Cuscowilla. The ball flew directly into the cup, helping the Swede to a two-under-par 68 that day.

“I thought it was perfect,” Johannson said. “I said ‘get in the hole’ and boom it went in.”

Junior Pedro Lima and sophomore Billy Shida occupy the last two spots. Despite some struggles, they never played themselves out of the competition.

The sixth spot is still up for grabs. Golfers just outside of the top five still have a chance to compete this spring. Currently, just one shot separates freshman Taylor Smith and redshirt sophomore Matthew Yonz, in the sixth place battle.

The Bobcats open the spring campaign Feb. 15-17 at Florida Southern’s Matlock Collegiate. They hope to improve on last year’s third place showing.

Posted by Colonnade Archives on Feb 6 2009. Filed under Sports. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry