While the PGA Masters Championships may be the ultimate tournament in professional golf, HC played in its own version as the GPAC qualifiers took place this last week.
“We have had a pretty good season so far. We have a solid group of core seniors including myself, Jono Schwenka, Andy Primavera and Ben Vigil,” said Ryley Fitzsimmons, senior. “We have also had great play out of sophomore Cody Vance.”
However, like many teams, the bond between seniors is the key to maintaining consistent play through the season, and the Broncos don’t differ from the norm.
“This is the final go around for all of us. We have formed such great friendships ever since we stepped on the first tee as freshmen at qualifying to now being seniors having one tournament left in our college career,” Fitzsimmons said. “The times we have spent together on and off the course will be what we remember most. Looking back on it, we will not always remember what we shot but [rather] the times and the laughs we shared along the way.”
Roger Doerr, head coach, praised his team for their performance throughout the season.
Doerr said he appreciated the team’s work ethic even as they fell short of their goals. He said the four graduating seniors who completed in the GPAC tournaments will be missed and that he was encouraged by the progress made by some of the newer members.
On Monday, the Broncos took part in the GPAC 3 qualifiers and somewhat under performed as they are now in fifth place in the conference. Northwestern has the lead in the GPAC with a 17 stroke lead over the Broncos.
“GPAC 3 was set up in a manner where we should have taken advantage of the weather but sometimes it just doesn’t work like that. Pin locations were a little tough, along with tree lined fairways and fast greens, which made it a little difficult for some,” Fitzsimmons said. “But Cody Vance seemed to plot his way through pretty well, shooting a 73 which is two over par.”
The mens golf team is scheduled to play again in the GPAC 4 qualifiers May 7 in Mitchell, S.D.
