NSU’s golf teams began their new seasons in mid September. Both teams brought home conference championships last season, and the women won their third straight national championship. However, the teams face new challenges this time around.
With many new additions to the teams and without Kevin Marsh, former head coach and the man who led them the previous seven seasons, both teams look to continue the program’s success built over the years.
The men opened their season with a fifth place finish at the Adams Cup and a second place finish at the NSU Shark Invitational. The team is young, with only one senior. However, Interim Head Coach Garrett Runion said he has been pleased with the team’s performance so far.
“With two top five finishes in two events our players are hungry and motivated for a win,” said Runion.
Runion said he likes the fact that the young players aren’t afraid to play against top competitors. He said that as the golfers gain experience they will have a great chance at repeating a conference championship win.
“We have a stronger team than last year, but we will have to play our best to repeat [a conference championship win],” he said. “Our guys know how hard it was to win last year and they take great pride in being SSC champions.”
Despite having only two remaining members from last year’s women’s national championship squad, the team hopes to capture their fourth straight title. The team has participated in three tournaments and improved with each one.
Abbey Gittings, junior, said she’s been impressed with her new teammates.
“At the first two tournaments, I was so proud of the team. With three new freshmen, we didn’t know how they would cope, but each team member at the last two tournaments have made me proud and they showed true grit and determination,” she said.
Gittings said the team has really bonded since the beginning of the year and she looks forward to playing in every tournament this season. She feels the team is ready to defend their title.
“I believe we have the capability to win the NCAA’s for a fourth year. I think the freshmen feel the pressure of stepping into the shoes of last year’s team, but I really do think that they have the skill and ability to lead our team to another national championship. Hopefully, I can lead this team to the national championship trophy,” said Gittings.
