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| Andrew with winner's trophy at the Prestige - click to enlarge |
This new school year has brought a bit of the new along with the old. With a new team and a new year brings a new season. But we have the same old goals of winning every tournament and ultimately the biggest prize of all, the NCAA Championship. So far, this new school year has been a continuation of last year's postseason and summer play.
The win at The Prestige at PGA West is definitely one of my biggest wins, ranking right up there with the Dogwood Invitational earlier in the summer. The Prestige had a totally different feel than the Dogwood because of the college team format. Unlike the Dogwood, I had no idea who my closest competitor was, but I knew I had to continue to play well because the team was counting on me.
Every part of my game was clicking during my play at the Prestige, but one part of my game that stood out was my putting. I believe I averaged 24 putts for the three rounds at the Stadium. I've never putted too well on Bermuda greens before so this is a real confidence booster, especially as we get ready for Isleworth in Florida next week.
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| Click to enlarge 3 round scorecards from Andrew's win at the Prestige |
The final round was one of the best rounds of tournament golf I've ever played. Knowing how difficult the course and pins were set up, my goal was to play, as Coach puts it, boring golf. Hit fairways and greens and if you don't, give yourself a putt for par. The first six holes at the Stadium course are an important stretch of golf that can make or break your round. Fortunately, I got off to a good start and the momentum just carried through to the end of the round.
It was extremely exciting to be a part of a young, dynamic lineup. The two freshman played admirably, with Cameron finishing in the top-5 and Shane coming back from a disappointing first round to post a 68 in the second. They really stepped up to the plate when we needed them most. Although we did fall short of winning the tournament, I feel that we got a glimpse of what we, as a team, are capable of doing when a couple guys start playing well in that second round. And it also speaks to the depth of our team. Coach Ray and Coach Rowe say it all the time, but we have 10 competitive golfers that can play and start in the lineup at anytime. There is no other team in the nation that can boast the same.
My favorite college tournament venue would have to be a tie between the Prestige and Hawaii. Hawaii will always be a week in paradise. However, the dinner at Morton's, staying at Mr. McNealy's house, dinner at Mr. Ray's place, playing the Stadium Course, it all adds up to one of the best trips of the year. Watching Stanford beat USC in arguably one of the most memorably football games of the year definitely puts the icing on the cake!
The team is looking forward to our next tournament, the Isleworth Collegiate, which includes many of the best teams in the nation. We have been practicing efficiently and will continue to work hard so that we can get that first win under our belt!
Thanks for the help and support!
Go Card!
Andrew Yun '13
