The Gustavus Adolphus Men’s Golf Team began its 2014 fall season with a 286-296 loss to Minnesota State University, Mankato in a dual that took place on the afternoon of Wednesday, Sept. 3, at the Le Sueur Country Club.
The Gusties then competed on Sunday, Sept 7, 2014 at the Augsburg College Fall Invitational. The team finished with 307 in the opening round and ended the weekend with a score of 609 (+33).
“Our bad shots need to be minimized and we need to do a better job of getting up and down.”—Scott Moe
Leading the Gusties at the invitational was Junior Matt Spier, shooting a 7-over-par 79 on the first day, and a 1-under-par 71 on the second. Spier tied for 15 with a 6-over-par 150. Following Spier, both Junior Andrew Brandt and Freshman Chris Captain landed 25 with 8-over-par.
Coming off their first tournament, the men are looking to improve for the Saint John’s University Invitational. The Invite will be held Saturday, Sept. 13 at GreyStone Golf Club in Sauk Centre and on Sunday, Sept. 14 at Blackberry Ridge in Sartell.
While looking forward to the invitational ahead of them, the Gusties are not forgetting about the conference play ahead of them.
“Our bad shots need to be minimized and we need to do a better job of getting up and down. Converting on good shots will result in low rounds, which will be needed in our tough conference,” Coach Scott Moe said.
With many of the upperclassmen of the team graduating this past year, the squad now consists of many young and talented men. The team is excited to watch the young athletes improve and gain experience in college golf.
“Every week is something new, watching them develop is exciting, and watching them enjoy success and see the results is very rewarding,” Moe said.
Admitting that the team had lost some talented players, Captain Ben Elvestrom still has high hopes for himself and his teammates this season.
“We graduated five seniors last year who were all contributors but we have five new faces this year and they can all play. Although MIAC golf is always competitive, we have enough talent and experience to take the title this year,” Elvestrom said.
Spier agrees with Elvestrom and commented that he has faith in his team and believes they are capable of leading the MIAC this year. With all of the effort the team brings to the green, the team is expecting nothing less than improvement.
“Everyday at practice we all strive to play better golf. Whether we are on the practice range for a couple hours or playing, we take our day serious and are hoping to put up good numbers in the weeks to come,” Spier said.
-Haley Bell