Men's golf taking steps toward SoCon title defense
Andrew Holt
Issue date: 4/16/09 Section: Sports
Mocs head golf coach Mark Guhne believes his team is ready for the Southern Conference Tournament this weekend in Florence, S.C. He has good reason to feel that way since his Mocs have won the last two conference titles there.
As the Mocs finish their preparation, let's take a look at a few storylines as the team attempts to defend its crown for the third straight year.
Patience Is A Virtue
Most are familiar with the adage "patience is a virtue" and this rings true especially in golf. One of the things Guhne has been preaching to his team is patience. Specifically, he said he wants his team to realize that it's okay when things don't go their way all the time.
Guhne said of his team's patience, "It's pretty easy to get frustrated when they're used to going out and shooting in the high 60's. They all have high expectations, so naturally, it's frustrating for them when they don't play well."
Guhne said he has been particularly impressed with the mental approach from Derek Rende, Soddy-Daisy, Tenn., and said the junior has done well with better handling his emotions.
Hodge Is Key
Jonathan Hodge, one of two seniors on the team, has struggled parts of this year and has seen his scoring average increase by two strokes since last season.
It's no secret that Hodge, from Jefferson City, Tenn., will need to elevate his play in order for the Mocs to have a chance of defending their title. Guhne attributed some of Hodge's struggles to some minor swing changes as well as the added pressure of this being his last go-round as a senior.
The Hunted, Not The Hunter
Having won the last two conference titles, the Mocs are no strangers to this stage and the Country Club of South Carolina is course they know well. As a consequence of their own successes, the Mocs will almost assuredly enter this weekend's tournament as the overall favorite.
How will they react when the pressure's on and the bull's eye is on their backs? A resurgent Georgia Southern team who has quietly notched three wins this season, likely presents the biggest challenge for the Mocs.
Looking Ahead
The Mocs' bid to for a three-peat starts Sunday at 8 a.m. Should they make it three in a row, they will move on to the NCAA Regionals May 14-16.
This year's NCAA Finals are scheduled for May 27-30 at the famous Inverness Club in Toledo, Ohio.
As the Mocs finish their preparation, let's take a look at a few storylines as the team attempts to defend its crown for the third straight year.
Patience Is A Virtue
Most are familiar with the adage "patience is a virtue" and this rings true especially in golf. One of the things Guhne has been preaching to his team is patience. Specifically, he said he wants his team to realize that it's okay when things don't go their way all the time.
Guhne said of his team's patience, "It's pretty easy to get frustrated when they're used to going out and shooting in the high 60's. They all have high expectations, so naturally, it's frustrating for them when they don't play well."
Guhne said he has been particularly impressed with the mental approach from Derek Rende, Soddy-Daisy, Tenn., and said the junior has done well with better handling his emotions.
Hodge Is Key
Jonathan Hodge, one of two seniors on the team, has struggled parts of this year and has seen his scoring average increase by two strokes since last season.
It's no secret that Hodge, from Jefferson City, Tenn., will need to elevate his play in order for the Mocs to have a chance of defending their title. Guhne attributed some of Hodge's struggles to some minor swing changes as well as the added pressure of this being his last go-round as a senior.
The Hunted, Not The Hunter
Having won the last two conference titles, the Mocs are no strangers to this stage and the Country Club of South Carolina is course they know well. As a consequence of their own successes, the Mocs will almost assuredly enter this weekend's tournament as the overall favorite.
How will they react when the pressure's on and the bull's eye is on their backs? A resurgent Georgia Southern team who has quietly notched three wins this season, likely presents the biggest challenge for the Mocs.
Looking Ahead
The Mocs' bid to for a three-peat starts Sunday at 8 a.m. Should they make it three in a row, they will move on to the NCAA Regionals May 14-16.
This year's NCAA Finals are scheduled for May 27-30 at the famous Inverness Club in Toledo, Ohio.
