Spartans Deal With Tough Conditions on the Course

The Cayuga Spartans Men's Golf Team were able to withstand a continuous high winds today to finish 7th out of the the 10 team tournament this afternoon, on their home course across the road from campus at Highland Park Golf Club.  Wind speeds reached up to 40 mph, but fortunately the rain did not come until the last group was coming down the 18th fairway.  Jake DeChick (Weedsport, NY) posted the low score for the Spartans, carding an 82 and finishing in the top 20 out of 52 golfers.  DeChick is in need of only one more round in the 80's to secure a spot in the NJCAA Region III Tournament.

"I started off every tee time from 10 a.m. until 12:20 p.m. today, and in order to understand how strong the wind was blowing, the big hitters were not reaching the 150 stakes on our first hole, 400 yard, par 4, whereas in ideal conditions they would be inside the 100 yard stake," said Coach Renaud.  "Jake had a great round, played consistent golf through the entire 18.  I look forward to seeing him compete when it is sunny and 70 degrees out.  Ryan Killian (Southern Cayuga, NY) our number one golfer, had a great first nine, coming in at only 3 over, but the wind then took its toll over the course of his back 9, but his ball striking was outstanding.  All in all, I thought all 7 of our lads did a nice job of playing consistent golf throughout.  Simon DiFranco (Union Springs, NY) carded his first round in the 80's, getting him closer to Region III qualifying, too," said Renaud.

"We finished 9th two weeks ago, at MVCC and basically with the same field, were able to move up two slots today to take 7th.  There was only a three stroke difference between 7th and 5th, so I think we are continuing to improve and headed in the right direction. Everyone has two more opportunities at getting qualifying scores over the remainder of this weekend, but again, up against inclement weather.  I think the team recognizes we have made progress in our individual play and they are certainly acclimated to the elements.  Jake is primed to qualify Saturday, and hopefully Gavin and Simon will lock down two rounds in the 80's, to give us three regional qualifiers going into the home stretch of our season.  Our top 5 can do it, just need a lip out or two to drop for us."

The Spartans have an 11:15 tee time off the back Saturday (4/20), with the host OCC at Sunset Ridge, in Marcellus, NY.  Then tee it up at 10 a.m. with the host JCC, Sunday (4/21), for an 18 hole shotgun start, at the Watertown Golf Club, in Watertown, NY.