@SHU_MGOLF
The Pirate men’s golf team is coming off of a huge win at the Navy Fall Classic, but if they want to keep this going, they are will have to put this victory behind them quickly.
Men’ golf coach Clay White was proud of his team after they defeated the likes of Georgetown, Villanova, Delaware, Brown, Cornell and others to win the Navy Fall Classic back on September 7th in Annapolis, Md.
“It is extremely gratifying and I'm proud of how we were able to persevere amidst a talented field,” Coach White said. “I'm excited to see what our future brings."
No wonder White was excited. Seton Hall has not won a team title since winning the Manor Intercollegiate back on April 14, 2012.
However, “like a bad loss,” Coach White wants his team to put this behind them quickly and focus on the next event.
For the next invitational, players like sophomore Kevin O’Brien, who led the way with a 5-under-par 66 in the final round, will be vital in keeping this team on a roll.
“He is playing great and has improved mentally,” Coach White said. “He has gained confidence by being in a positive environment with J.T.”
Speaking of senior J.T. Harper, he, along with the rest of his teammates that won at Navy, will be the team that Coach White will send out again at Hartford because of how well all of them have been playing individually.
Freshmen Ryan Snouffer, senior Lloyd Jefferson Go and junior David Cha all had at least one round below a 73 at Navy, which is just what Coach White is looking for.
“When you win by one shot it is based on individual performances helping the overall team,” White said. “Not posting over a 74 and having all five guys play well is the key.”
A factor that might catch the team by surprise is the amount of time off that they have between their win at Navy last weekend and their next tournament at Hartford. The team has just over two weeks off, but will be prepared.
“We are playing an intersquad tournament and giving them two days off to catch up with their academics, coach said. “We will work on the small things, which is big for us.”
Those “small things,” include their iron game and putting, to trying help all of the players on this team really develop a strong all-around golf game.
The blue and white will look to consistently hit fairways and greens. If they can keep those percentages up then these golfers will not have as many pressure-packed putts to make down the stretch.
Most of the Pirate players who will be golfing at the event have played the Bulls Bridge Golf Club before, however many of the projected teams they will be playing have golfers who have experience here as well, so it will likely be a level playing field.
When the team comes back from the two-week layoff, the Pirates have four consecutive weekends with events.
The Pirates will look to make add consecutive wins and two out of their first three events in the fall season, when they travel to the Hartford Hawks Invitational, which begins Sept. 22.
