Former CU men's golf team member Pat Grady practices a flop shot on Wednesday, Mar. 12, 2009. This year, the team says that it is hopeful that young talent will take them far. (File photo CU Independent/Matt Wessels)
The 2009 men’s golf team is one of the youngest in Colorado Buffaloes’ history. However, the coach says they are seeking to prove that their ability will overshadow any doubts about their inexperience this weekend.
“Our team is young, but talented,” said head coach Roy Edwards about his team being comprised largely of sophomores.
The Buffs will face 18 other teams in the 41st annual Gene Miranda Falcon Invitational at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. Included in the lineup is last year’s champion, Colorado State.
After losing 6-4 to CSU in the inaugural State of Colorado Cup last month, the team is, in sophomore Sebastian Heisele’s words, ready to “get back at CSU.”
Justin Bardgett, the lone senior on the team, agrees. Bardgett said his aim is squared at CSU.
“Our goal is to beat them, and win the tournament,” Bardgett said.
Coming off a 12th-place finish in the team’s first tournament competition last weekend in New Mexico, Edwards said he has some other goals in mind as well.
“I want them to learn from their mistakes,” he said. “And have good course management in every tournament.”
Edwards described golf as a process, not an event.
Heisele seems to be following those words to a tee. Already off to a good season due in part to a summer full of practice, he said he still sees room for improvement. He said he hopes to further work on his short-distance game and putting skills.
“I hope to finish high for myself and for the team as well,” he said.
Meanwhile, Bardgett said he doesn’t feel any pressure being the oldest and most experienced player on the team.
“I want to be a good leader,” he said.
Bardgett said he also has great expectations for this year with the focus on his team getting better in each area throughout the season.
Edwards said he expects the team to fight for every shot this weekend because “there are no secrets to being good at golf.”
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Marlee Horn at Marlee.horn@colorado.edu.
