STAFF WRITER

The Fordham golf team concluded its fall season at the Lehigh University Invitational on Oct. 27 and 28 at Saucon Valley Country Club in Bethlehem, Pa.

In its third consecutive 36-hole tournament, the team finished in fifth place out of seven teams.

Junior co-captain Jeff Hogan led the way for the Rams, posting a two round cumulative score of 11-over-par. Hogan’s finish was good for a tie for eighth place individually.

Senior Brian Engstrom finished in a tie for 22nd place and senior co-captain Brandon Nolan came in one shot behind him, recording a two round total of 18-over-par.

Ben Alcorn shot 24-over-par throughout the 36 holes, and freshman Fernando Morett completed his sixth collegiate tournament at 29-over-par.

Scoring during Sunday’s first round was especially difficult due to chilly and frosty conditions.

“Cold weather and frost delays, along with wind, are without a doubt the toughest conditions to play well in,” Engstrom said. “I think the scores basically reflected that across the board (not just ours).”

Despite these conditions, champions were still crowned at Saucon Valley Country Club. Rutgers University won the team title, and Scarlet Knight Doug Walters took home the individual championship, shooting six-over-par.

Although not entirely satisfied with their performance at the Lehigh University Invitational, the team was pleased with the fall season as a whole.

“As far as the fall season, I think a lot of newcomers were able to get their feet wet and pick up some experience that will surely help them in the spring,” Hogan said. “The spring season is pretty much a sprint, with it culminating at the A-10 championship.”

Nolan shared the same feelings.  “I think that we got a lot of tournament experience,” Nolan said. “We didn’t end the season that well, but I think the experience will help us in the upcoming spring season.”

The team now has approximately four months off from competition and is poised to continue to improve during the offseason.

“Everyone just needs to work on the weakest facets of their games over the next few months,” Engstrom said. “That way, when we come back in the fall, we have a better foundation to start off of.”

Nolan echoed Engstrom’s sentiments.

“We have some work to do, but we will be ready,” he said.

The team’s spring season will begin in March.

Categories: Golf, Sports