[Men's Golf] The Bluejay Men's golf team suffers in the wind day 1, rise up on day 2

McPherson, Kan. The Men's golf team travelled to Turkey Creek on Monday and Tuesday to play in the Central Kansas Classic along with the Science and Arts of Oklahoma (USAO), Central Christian and Bethel College. USAO claimed tournament champions with an impressive 903 for the three rounds despite the windy first day conditions. Day 1 the players played 36 holes which started cold and became a windy day in Kansas with sustained 20 mph winds and gusts close to 30mph. Day 2 was 18 holes and a great day for golf with 70 degree weather.  

    The Bluejays really struggled on day 1 and "not necessarily because of the wind" said coach Jamieson. "Yes the wind was relatively new to some of the freshmen, but it was the fact the greens were not holding any iron shots, and some of the bounces were very inconsistent."  After the first day the Bluejays found themselves in third place out of four teams, 25 shots behind second place Central Christian and only 13 strokes ahead of Bethel College.  Day 2 showed better weather and they Bluejays came out swinging with something to prove.  As a team the bluejays shot 33 strokes better than round one and 43 strokes better than the forgettable round two score they posted when all Bluejay members struggled. The Bluejays third round score ended up being the second best score on the day with a 314 losing only to USAO who were the tournament champions.  "I was really proud of the team today" said coach Jamieson.  "Not only did we beat Central Christian in a round for the first time since our restart only two years ago, another Freshman has stepped up in a big way in Brandon Flues (FR/Devine, Texas) and I am happy to see improvement by every member each week, every round, I am excited to see what happens when we are all playing well."  

    Brandon Flues who shot a 77 on his final round finished in 11th place overall. "Brandon started the tournament going for everything and trying to win it with every swing" said coach Jamieson.  "I saw a lot of growth and maturity during his final round playing a little smarter by not hitting driver when there is a good chance it will get you in trouble if missed at all. What I saw in round three is exactly what we need as a team player." 

    Zach Gibson (JR/Andover, Kan.) led the way for the Bluejays banking his first top ten finish on the young season. His best round was his first this week battling the cold and the wind shooting a 78 which was the 5th best score round one.  There was no doubt Zach was struggling with his short game and putter this week. "Zach was striking the ball better than I have ever seen him" said coach Jamieson. "He is a great leader on the course hitting iron off the tee, always giving himself the best look at the green for birdie opportunities. However, he just could not capitalize on the great positioning he left himself in, whether it was a bad chip or putt, it just was not there. I know Zach missed out on a couple opportunities this week shooting in the 60's and we will certainly be working on fixing the short game this week."  

    Marco Espinal (FR/Cedar Creek, Texas) who surprised everyone in his first tournament with a 72, 75 struggled a little bit with the wind but still managed to post three countable scores for the Bluejays. "Marco doesnt know it yet, but he will be a great wind player" said coach Jamieson.  "He just doesn't have the experience yet, but he has the drive, mental game, and swing needed to play well in the wind. " Marco finished third for the Bluejays and tied for 14th overall for his second collegiate tournament.

    Adrian Rivera (FR/Weslaco, Texas) who played as an individual this week for the Bluejays performed really well and is showing signs that maybe he will be the next Freshman to step up in a big way with conference coming up. "AJ is starting to show some of the things I have seen at practice in tournament play" said coach Jamieson.  "His swing looked a lot more confident this week and that is what you want to see. If it wasn't for some missed opportunities around the green I think this would have been his breakout week.  We will work on carrying over the confidence from his swing to the putter and I think we will have it."

    Logan Mathews (SO/Ada, Okla.) who is the team Captain struggled this week with his swing and mental game on a day where the wind left no room for error.  Not satisfied with his result Logan changed his approach for the final round and shot a team best 76 despite two hiccups on the course with a triple and a double bogey. Coach Jamieson had this to say about Logan.  "I was really pleased with Logan on the final round. We know starting the day Logan had his 'D' game or 'F' game so he started by swinging his go to shot off the tee which is new this year for him. Not only did this strategy work, his mentality was perfect for the situation.  It really shows me that Logan is capable of shooting low no matter how he is hitting the ball, he just needs to switch his mindset for each situation and sky is the limit for him."  

    Zachary Aldrete (FR/Weslaco, Texas) was another Bluejay player to improve by more than 10 shots in round 3. "Zachary was struggling a little bit with his swing this week" Said coach Jamieson. "Despite the full swing being a little off, I saw a lot of improvement with his putter on the green, we made a big change last week in his approach and putting stroke and he managed to bring it to the course after only one wek of practice. I was really impressed with him and I can't wait to see how well he improves this year if he keeps being this coachable." 

WHATS NEXT- The Bluejay men travel to the Match Play Championship as the ninth seed October 4th and 5th.  They will be in Dodge City playing Mariah Hills.