The Cal men’s golf team is rested and ready.
After a two-week break from travel, the Bears head to the Hamptons Intercollegiate in East Hampton, New York on Oct. 4 and 5 for their third tournament of the season.
This intermission in the Bears’ action-packed schedule was used to strengthen them both mentally and physically. They struggled to break through the competitive ranks at both tournaments they’ve participated in thus far and are looking to quickly turn the tide.
“These first two tournaments have exposed the players to their lack of discipline in terms of patience on the golf course or practicing on the golf course,” said head coach Walter Chun. “Physical fitness is something we really need to work on as well.”
The practice schedule for the team’s off weeks consisted of more drills and time on the course. To revamp the team’s competitive edge, Coach Chun set the golfers in one-on-one rounds against each other.
“Nothing was on the line, but we had them compete one-on-one. We had our normal routine, but we added a third workout in the morning of either Thursday or Friday,” Chun said.
Chun foresees new obstacles the team has not yet faced this season. The Hamptons golf course stands on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, which tends to induce heavy winds, resulting in difficult bounds on the course.
“It is going to have its challenges in its own different ways. It’s not as long as the first two tournaments. The challenge is that it will be very windy,” Chun said.
Though these challenges will be difficult to navigate, graduate player Finigan Tilly will be joining the team on the course in his fifth season debut. The veteran player is a new addition to this season’s lineup, and Chun is excited to see his leadership emerge throughout the tournament.
The Bears are flying out to New York on Friday afternoon with a revised lineup and recuperated mindset. This tournament is pivotal in determining the trajectory of the Cal men’s golf team’s season. The question of success and overcoming adversity is on the line, and this weekend is the test to see if the Bears can conquer the challenges ahead of them.
