Temperatures dropped, but putts did not

Author: Jake Cohen

In the wake of Tiger Wood's domination of the first inaugural FedEx Cup, the Middlebury men's golf team took on a field of 25 schools from across the country at home this weekend at the Duke Nelson Tournament hoping to find the same success. Though historically this tournament has been a reason for the Panthers to celebrate, this year's results brought a bit of concern. Middlebury finished tied for seventh overall and was 26 strokes behind the winning team, Skidmore, who defended its title from last year.

Williams and St. Lawrence rounded off the rest of the podium as the Panthers were forced to watch the same team take the tournament trophy out of its house once again.

In the past, the Duke Nelson has been one that Middlebury golfers and fans alike anticipate. The team gets to compete on its home course, has an unparalleled familiarity with proper club selection, tricky greens and an infectious confidence that can naturally lead to lower scores.

But this year was different. Middlebury's top four scorers shot a combined 32-over-par, leaving them in sixth place after Day One, 14 strokes behind first round team leader Williams College. The performance was particularly disappointing in light of last year's success. Middlebury finished fourth overall for the entire weekend, only 14 strokes behind the perennial all-star Skidmore Thoroughbreds.

What could have possibly gone wrong? Everything was working in Middlebury's favor - a strong showing at St. Lawrence the previous weekend, home course advantage, exploding confidence and a great week of practice - and yet Middlebury could not pull through.

Captain Harrison Bane '08.5 attributes the poor Panther performance to overconfidence.

"We went out all week and hit the ball great," said Bane. "We practiced hard and felt phenomenal. But when game day came, I think we just got too excited and too confident." Bane was particularly frustrated with his performance, mainly his 85 (14-over-par) on the second day. George Baumann '08 lead the Panthers with a combined two-day total of 151 (78- 73) followed by promising Brian Cady '11, who shot a 157 (80- 77) in the tournament.

Heavy winds undoubtedly made the playing conditions difficult, but not impossible.

"Some great rounds were shot on the Ralph Myre course this weekend," said Coach Bill Beaney. "Unfortunately, very few of them came from Middlebury athletes."

One of the standout performances he may have been alluding to was entered by Skidmore sophomore Chris DeJohn, who shot a two-day best of 145 (72-73), only three strokes over par.

Despite the frustrating outcome, the team remains positive.

"We had a great start at St. Lawrence," said Bane. "Unfortunately, we couldn't convert that into a solid performance this past weekend. But we have a great team who is working hard together and focusing on the final goal."

The upcoming NESCAC Championships, slated for Sept. 29-30, awaits. But first, the Panthers head to Williamstown, Mass., to play what many regard as one of the most difficult courses in the New England area, the Taconic Golf Course. The team is ecstatic to play at one of their favorite courses and pick up where they left off at St. Lawrence.

"We have what it takes to win," said Bane. "Next weekend, we're going to head down to Williams and show them exactly what we're capable of."