The Whitman men’s and women’s golf teams ended their seasons last weekend placing fifth and eighth respectively in the Northwest Conference Golf Championships. The men played at Tokatee Golf Course in Blue River, Ore., while the women competed at Apple Tree Golf Course in Yakima, Wash.
Men’s golf coach Peter McClure, in an interview before the tournament, hoped that the team would finish in the top five. Goal achieved, McClure and the team are more than satisfied with their final placement both individually and as a team. Sophomore Brian Barton finished in a three-way tie for second place. Looking back on the season, McClure is content with the team’s achievements and progress individually and as a unit.
“The men on our team have practiced faithfully and each and every one of the team members have tried their best on every shot they have taken,” said McClure in an e-mail. “That is all a coach can hope.”
According to McClure, the season’s highlight was when sophomore Brian Barton won the Northwest Fall Classic at Canyon Lakes Golf Course in Kennewick, Wash. on Oct. 19. Barton birdied the last four holes to secure the tournament, winning by three strokes. This win provided the team with a positive outlook on the rest of the season and also counted toward one-quarter of the scoring for the NWC tournament.
With the conclusion of the season, McClure is optimistic about next season. McClure expects that all players will return next fall since the team is currently devoid of seniors. New recruits will also provide the team with new dynamics and skills.
“There are several promising incoming players for next year’s team,” said McClure. “I’m sure we will be stronger and deeper in 2009 –– 2010.”
The women’s golf team, on the other hand, finished eighth in the NWC Championships. The team entered the tournament ahead of Lewis and Clark College, one point behind Willamette and two points behind Pacific Lutheran University. Coach Skip Molitor hoped to catch up with Willamette and PLU, however, both teams placed ahead of Whitman in the tournament.
Molitor, reflecting on the season, acknowledged the team’s developments and anticipates future improvement next season.
“We made progress this season with the women’s golf team in terms of posting team scores for conference events,” said Molitor. “The last few years, we have posted individual scores but have not had enough depth on the roster to post team scores.”
Throughout the season, several players have performed exceedingly well, contributing to the team dynamics and improving the team’s overall score.
According to Molitor, sophomore Sydney Saito had a chance at all-conference honors depending on her performance at the NWC Championships. First-year Allie Lodine, the team’s top newcomer, secured the number two position on the team. First-year Jenn Keyes also had an outstanding year of competition. In Molitor’s opinion, senior Sophia Sady, sophomore Joanne Yang and junior Kelsi Evans “provided us the depth we have needed in order to post team scores.”
The women’s team is also anticipating new growth next season as a result of recruitment.
“We are pleased with our recruiting efforts to this point,” said Molitor. “We will be adding a minimum of three players who have done well in conference and state level events.”
At the close of the season, the men’s and women’s golf teams look forward to the fall with optimism and are prepared for both individual and team growth.