Another Big Finish for Men's Golf
Julie Robinson
Issue date: 3/8/10 Section: Sports
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"They played in the rain all day," said coach Blake McAfee. "It was really cold, and just kind of miserable, but they hung in there and played pretty well."
There were 13 teams, mainly of the Lone Star Conference and the Heartland Conference. There were only 14 scores in the 70s out of the whole field. Three Reddies were in that top 14: Ben Cuzen, Matt Atkins and Daniel Francis.
After the long, gruesome day, the men were tied for the lead with St. Mary's, the 29th ranked team in the country. Ben Cuzen was also tied for the lead in individuality play. The team posted a pretty good score of 312 in the unbearable conditions.
"I was a little surprised after the first day, we were tied for first. It was a good accomplishment," said Coach McAfee.
The next day, the weather did not get better. It stopped raining, but the temperature remained chilly with a wind chill of around high 20s to mid 30s. The wind was blowing a rapid 15 to 20 mph. The whole course was under water. Mud was everywhere the players stepped. Once again, the weather had not been adequate for teams to be playing golf.
"Monday was the worst conditions I have ever seen or played in," said Ben Cuzen, a senior finance major. "It poured the entire day, and the course was just under water and mud. Tuesday, the rain stopped, but the course was still sloppy."
On Tuesday, the men finished in fourth place, and Cuzen finished with a tie for second. East Central Oklahoma won the event with a two-day total of 623.
"Everyone had to play in the same conditions, so might as well make the best of it," Cuzen said.
The men played well both days. Cuzen shot 73 and 78 with a two day total of 151. Daniel Francis also stayed in the 70s, with scores that consisted of 79 and 78 with a total of 157. Matt Atkins played decent, with scores of 81 and 77, totaling a two-day total of 158. Both Reggie English and Forrest Schultz both contributed to the team's fourth place finish.
"I am really disappointed," said Cuzen. "My last three holes, I went triple bogey, birdie, birdie. If I would have pared the 16th hole, I would have won the tournament. The triple bogey killed me."
Going into conference play, the team is putting on quite a show. With two top five finishes under their belt, they plan on winning the conference championship in mid April. Some plan on even heading to regional play. If Cuzen plays like he has been, he has a chance individually to go play in North Carolina.
Everyone is playing up to higher standards with these top five finishes. They want to be the best at everything they do.
"I am excited; I am hitting the ball really good," Cuzen said. "I feel really confident, and I am proud of the team and how everyone is playing."
The men's team will have a week off and come back to play at OBU Spring Invitational at Degray State Park Golf Course in Arkadelphia, Ark. on March 13.
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