After finishing in the top 10 in their first tournament of the season, men’s golf took a step back this weekend, placing 15 out of 16 teams in the Rhodes Collegiate Classic.
The Tigers were led by first-year Michael Wittenberg, tying for 46th overall with a score of 155 over the two days.
“[Leading the team is] a big responsibility,” said Wittenberg. “At this point everyone has game, but it is all about playing good at the right time. It doesn’t mean anything to lead the team if others are struggling.”
Senior Drake Dunaway and sophomore Jackson Mihevc followed with scores of 162, while first-year Sam Karcher and sophomore Tim Grahmn rounded out the team with a 165 and 167 respectively.
“I think positive thoughts will give us the best chance of success,” said Wittenberg. “This weekend was an error in most of our games, and we know that is bound to happen once in a while.”
Head coach Vince Lazar agreed, using the example of professional golfer Jordan Spieth. After surpassing Rory Mcllroy for the number one golfer in the world, Spieth proceeded to play his “worst round in years” at the end of August during the first round of The Barclays, according to an article from USA Today.
“This is a game where confidence absolutely dictates how well you play,” explained Lazar. “You’re out there by yourself… it’s tough.”
The Tigers are looking to rebound this coming weekend, when they will be hosting their annual home tournament, the Dan Quayle Collegiate Golf Classic.
Formerly known as the DePauw Small College Classic, the tournament has been favorable to the Tigers, as the team’s finished in the top five in each of the last three years.
“Our team has enough talent that if we can just play within ourselves and not panic whenever something goes wrong, we should be able to have a successful weekend,” said Dunaway.
The two-day tournament will take place on Saturday and Sunday in Danville, Indiana.