Michigan Golfer, July / August 2013

Page 24

Anticipating Future Success The Bulldogs’ Spring 2013 season began on April 5th, as the team traveled to Zanesville, Ohio’s EagleSticks Golf Course to compete in the Muskingum Spring Invitational. Renowned for its elevation changes and bentgrass fairways and greens, EagleSticks, formerly included in Golf Digest’s list of America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses, provided Adrian with an opportunity to extend its streak of top-three finishes. After shooting a first round total of 303, the Bulldogs improved the following day, tallying a second round score of 295 and a two-round

total of 598, resulting in a second place finish. Once again, Cameron McKee led all Adrian scorers with a 146 total and a tie-fourth individual showing. “We played very well at the Invitational, finishing only two shots behind Denison University, the tournament champions,” said Martin. “This performance definitely helped the team prepare for the MIAA Spring Championship, which began one week later.” Although the Bulldogs did not qualify for the National Championship, the entire team demonstrated its potential. During the first round of the Spring Championship, contested at West Olive’s Wuskowhan Players Club, a Rick Smith design, Connor Doria and freshman Jordan Pittman fired a pair of 77s to lead all Adrian scorers. The team’s total score of 313 resulted in a third place finish, nine strokes behind Calvin College.

Photo courtesy of Adrian College Sports Information

On April 26th, nearly two weeks after the conclusion of the first round, the Bulldogs traveled to Grand Rapids’ Watermark Country Club for the second round of the MIAA Spring Championship. Although the team’s total score was not nearly as low as it had been during the first round, at 332, the Bulldogs still secured third place. Once again led by Nick Hocker, who shot an 82 and finished in a tie-fifth individually, Adrian’s score was low enough to advance to the third round of the Championship one day later. Cameron McKee 24

Bulldogs with a 77, which included a front nine score of 37. Adrian won the third round outright, firing 316, as the Bulldogs nearly advanced to the National Championship, defeating runner-up Hope College by five strokes. “We really mounted a comeback. Before the third round began, we were 12 shots behind the National Championship qualifiers,” said Martin. “By the time the third round had been completed, we were only five shots short of qualifying for the National Championship.” Adrian’s noticeable comeback, along with the team’s fall jamboree victory and streak of top-three finishes, have led Coach Martin to believe the Bulldogs’ full potential has not yet been realized. “First, our team is one big family, as we have great chemistry from top to bottom, which is very important,” Martin said. “We also have a mixture of youth and experience, as I will have two incoming freshmen who will compete and push our upperclassmen to perform to the best of their abilities.” He added, “Our future is very bright. I believe the team has the ability to win multiple tournaments next year and finally qualify for the National Championship after coming so close this season.”

For more information about Adrian College’s athletic programs, please visit http://adrianbulldogs.com. - MG -

Nick Hocker again led the

J U LY / AU G U ST 2 0 1 3

MICHIGAN GOLFER MAGAZINE


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