Golf

Author: Jeff Klein

The men's and women's golf teams hope to improve upon solid seasons last year and swing their way to further success. The women's team is marked by youth, but don't mistake such youth for inexperience.

"Everyone has some great tournament experience under their belts and is ready to go this fall," said captain Julie Ellenberger '09. The lone first-year on the squad, Flora Weeks '12, "will be a great addition to our team and is a very solid and promising player," said Ellenberger.

As for what the team plans to focus on in practice? "Golf is all about the short game and being able to think on your feet and hit creative shots," said Ellenberger, "so we will be spending a lot of practice time on that to make sure that we're ready."

Having reached the NCAA tournament the last two years, the team hopes to ultimately make it a third, but does not want to think too far in advance. "Our division is getting more and more competitive every year," said Ellenberger, "so we have to focus on one tournament at a time."

The men's squad has similarly high expectations to match, having finished in a tie for second at NESCACs last spring. Harry Bane '08.5 returns as captain for the second year in a row and will try to lead the Panthers to victory beginning this Saturday, Sept. 13th in the Duke Nelson Tournament.

"The men's golf team this year brings back a lot of guys with a lot of experience," said Bane. The goals he articulated for the team were simple, yet profound: "be more process-focused and let the results take care of themselves."

The team will hit the road for the majority of the season after this weekend, but one bonus for the Panthers is that they get to host the NESCACs this spring, something Bane acknowledges the team is very excited about.