With sound shooting and unbreakable concentration, the men's golf team has been turning heads in a remarkable season and plans to continue its streak as it travels to the East Coast Athletic Championship tournament that will take place Oct. 15-16.
"It's always fun to watch people wake up to how good golf can be played in the north country," Coach Bill Johnson said. "Last year we were struggling. This year we're surprising."
Still riding high after coming in third place at the Toski Invitational golf tournament in Amherst, Mass. last Sunday and Monday, the Big Green captured a second place finish at the ECAC qualifying tournament Tuesday.
"After playing so well the last two days, it's hard to come back the next day and repeat it," MacKenzie Hurd '98 said. "We definitely didn't play our best, but we got the job done."
Following a disappointing season last year, the Big Green -- due to some powerful recruiting -- have emerged as a strong Eastern team. Two freshmen, Hurd and Jay Danzi '98 have had a great impact on the Dartmouth program.
"I think the two freshmen have come in with the ability and attitude to win, and the two seniors on the team form the nucleus," Johnson said. "If you add our fifth player, the depth and ability that we have is super."
With five strong players, the Big Green are able to be more relaxed in their playing, allowing individuals to peak at specific points.
"You are able to take a few more chances because you know you have a solid team to back you up," Johnson said. "That way, a player who feels hot can reach out and go for it."
With such strong performances, Johnson believes Dartmouth has changed its goals. Instead of aiming for an 80 average, the Big Green have readjusted their scale to look for a 75 average.
"We are now always expecting one player to shoot low numbers and with our depth, it doesn't necesarily have to be the same person. Everyone is capable of capturing a medal and that is what we need."
Homecoming weekend the Big Green will travel to Colgate to compete in the ECAC tournament, which will host approximately 140 golfers and 15 teams.
"We'll be playing at a world class golf course at Colgate, and the exposure will make us even stronger in the future," Johnson said. "I feel strongly that it will be a great test. I'm not looking for a place finish, but we have a hungry team that is ready to reach out and grab the ring."
Bryan Kim '95, who was the only Dartmouth golfer on this season's team to attend the tournament last year, will lead the Big Green on its quest.
"The atmosphere is just fun to be a part of," Kim said. "It's good in that there is a lot of helathy competition, and you put a little more pressure on yourself."
But the Big Green feel ready to tackle the pressure.
"We basically have to be playing well, but we've been doing well and have been getting better and better," Hurd said. "Our average score will have to be in in the mid-70's, which means we have to click."
In golf, with playing conditions and mental stability being so important, it's difficult to tell what the future will bring.
"Golf is an athletic guessing game," Johnson said. "You have to ride the tide of success and go beyond the guessing game and just do it. When you feel it on a certain day, you just let it fly."
