News
Men's Golf on the Upswing
February 15, 2008Banner Elk, NC--As the Lees-McRae men’s golf team heads into the season they do so with five student athletes who are fired up about the opportunity to play golf at the collegiate level. After struggling to field a team for tournaments last year, this year’s team promises not just to fill a roster, but to compete at high level of play. The commitment of these golfers is demonstrated by their willingness to travel off the mountain regularly in order to practice on open courses.
The golf team has seen another addition this year in the form of assistant coach JP Miller. Miller brings over eight years of experience in the golf industry to the program that will allow him to help the Bobcat golfers with many aspects of the game. His presence has already made an impact on team’s skills through his work with the athletes in preseason. Head Coach Scott Polsgrove commented, “I know that the addition of Coach Miller will greatly improve the fundamental aspect of each golfer’s game.”
With two returners and three newcomers to the squad, the Bobcats will look to the leadership of senior Joshua Beck (Ashboro, NC) as they strive to improve upon last year’s record. Beck, serving as captain of the Bobcats, has not only demonstrated strong leadership qualities but has also set an example with a strong work ethic, concentrating on making adjustments to his posture which have resulted his hitting the ball both straighter and further.
Returning sophomoreEric Hinson (Concord, NC) is expected to continue to show improvement on the course this season. After making some minor adjustments to his swing Hinson was at three under after just four holes in a practice round at Cedar Rock in Lenoir, NC.
Newcomer Chris Dillon of Pageland, SC has worked with assistant coach JP Miller to completely redo his swing. This sophomore has shown the most improvement of anyone on the team and continues to work hard everyday at practice.
Freshman Michael Corboy (Langley, British Columbia, Canada) took the opportunity while home on semester break to work with his personal coach and has comeback this semester better prepared to compete. Corboy is killing the ball off the tee, getting a lot of distance from his shots.
Another freshman for the Bobcats, Nash Welch of Summerville, SC, is hitting the ball well now that he has made some adjustments with his weight transfer and is expected to contribute to the Bobcats efforts on the golf course.
“I expect the team will do well this season, as long as they can stay mentally focused,” commented assistant coach JP Miller on the upcoming season.
“I’m excited about the improvements that Josh and Eric have made and looking forward to the contributions of Nash, Mike and Chris,” added Coach Polsgrove.
The Bobcats’ season is set to begin February 18-19 when they travel to New London, NC to compete in the Johnny Palmer Memorial Tournament hosted by Pfeiffer University at the Old North State Club.
