University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Chronicles of Golden Eagle Golf By Justin Emil
4/13/2003 12:00:00 AM | Men's Golf
Chronicles of Golden Eagle Golf
By Justin Emil
2003 ASU Indian Classic
Day 2, the practice round, April 13, 2003
It was a race to the first tee this morning because everyone wanted to finish the practice round with enough time to eat lunch and watch the Masters. This was the first tournament we have played in that we could tee off whenever we wanted. We rushed to the first tee only to be the second group off behind Nebraska.
The course was a lot different than a typical championship style golf course. A lot of iron-shots off the tee were required to avoid the water that surrounded the several tight fairways. The greens were very undulating and that made them quick.
On the par-4, 298 yard eighth-hole, I used a little different strategy to avoid the water that lingered on each side of the fairway. I hit a 9-iron off the tee and then another 9-iron on the green to about six feet. I can honestly say I have never played a par-4 by hitting two short-irons and sinking a short putt for birdie.
The practice round was over quickly and a homemade barbeque was waiting as we rolled into the clubhouse. After a great lunch we hit a few balls, chipped, and putted before making our way back to the hotel where the greatest event in golf awaited on television.
Everyone thought Tiger Woods was a shoe-in for the green jacket, but Len Mattice and Mike Weir proved us wrong. It was inspiring to watch the Canadian, Mike Weir, make every clutch putt he stood over on Augusta National's lightning fast greens. That just shows how important the putter is when the tournament is on the line. I think that for us to win this week, we are going to have to roll the nugget better than everyone else.
There is one coincidence that Mike Soroka pointed out after the first major pro tournament of the year was all said and done. The last time Mike Weir won on tour was at Riviera, which took place the same week we won the Beau Chene Collegiate Classic. Maybe we have a connection with Weir's success on tour, and that may aid us in bringing home the trophy on Tuesday.
