University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Off The Tee, Day Two, at the Chenal Trojan Cup
3/23/2003 12:00:00 AM | Men's Golf
Off The Tee, Day Two, at the Chenal Trojan Cup
Day 2, the practice round, March 23, 2003
It was another perfect day for golf as we pulled into the exclusive Chenal Country Club entrance. The golf course was surrounded by houses that looked fit for movie stars and marquee sports athletes. We had our own movie presence as we pulled into the large parking lot.
Most golfers are familiar with the movie ?Tin Cup,? starring Kevin Costner. If it doesn?t ring a bell, ?Tin Cup? was a driving range pro who had a sweet swing and never quite made it on tour. He qualified for the United States Open and made a great entrance pulling up in his old RV with caddie, Cheech Maron. We felt the same way as we parked the RV we traveled in amongst the H2 Hummers, Jaguars, and BMWs. I am sure a few people had to look twice as we unloaded our clubs and headed for the practice green.
The course was awesome. This is one of the best courses I have played during my college career. It would probably take at least an hour to tour the clubhouse, and I regret that I don?t have the time to do so.
As I played the course today I was relieved that today was the practice round because this was not a course that anyone can just go out and play blind. It is definitely necessary to go out and analyze this course before competing on it. After today I feel much more acclimated to the undulating bent grass greens and narrow fairways.
It was a long round, but it didn?t matter because the course was so great. Coach Johnson said it well when he described the course as a venue of championship caliber. He reminded us that in order to play well this week we really need to stay positive. That is something that can make or break a player. The more positive the player is, the better chance he has to play well. That philosophy can be used in both life and golf.
So as I get ready for bed and prepare everything for the long day ahead, I think to myself how great the course is and how well I am striking the ball. Everyone is hitting the ball well and seems to be ready to play this tournament.
We are a very lucky group of guys who get to play golf on days when others are working, going to school, or defending freedom. It is easy to overlook the luxury we have in playing collegiate athletics. So no matter what the outcome of tomorrow may be, there are no complaints from this golf team because we are doing what we love.
All of our prayers go out to the men and women fighting the war in Iraq, and also their families.
