Men’s golf team succeeds with younger players stepping up

While the men's golf team did not have one particular golfer distinguish himself as the best on the team this fall, it had solid contributions across the board, particularly from the underclassmen, who proved essential on a team with only two seniors.

K-State participated in six events this fall and relied largely on youth for good performances. Individually, the Wildcats had 11 top-20 finishes, including five in the top 10.

Head coach Tim Norris said the freshmen played a big part this season.

"I thought they were talented players, and it helped to have their contributions every week," Norris said. "Some of them didn't have the best summer, but if we can bring in players at this level and have them improve as freshmen, they will be far along when they are seniors."

Two freshmen who stood out were Thomas Birdsey and Jack Watson. Birdsey's best finish was third, while Watson's was second. Both highlights came at the Jim Colbert Intercollegiate at Colbert Hills Golf Course. The entire team used the home course advantage to the fullest extent, taking second place — its best finish of the season — at the Manhattan tournament.

Birdsey said he enjoyed a number of things about the fall season and looks forward to the spring.

"I really enjoyed traveling with all the players and going to different areas. We are a lot like a big family," Birdsey said. "Golf is a team sport, and it was important for me and Jack to play well along with the other players. For the spring, I hope to make some smarter decisions on the course."

Norris said there were definitely some differences this fall than in previous seasons, most notably the lack of one standout player.

"We didn't have a clear-cut No. 1 or 2 player," Norris said. "The last few years, that type of player has been there. We were juggling players around, and hopefully we can find a couple forces to help us out more often."

He also said the future looks bright with the members on the team and the focus is to see what it can do better down the road.

Senior Jason Schulte said leadership on the team was a key part, and golf is both a team and individual sport.

"I was able to help out the younger guys and get them acquainted with the game itself," Schulte said. "There's an interesting difference in the sport. With a team aspect, you have players supporting you, and individually, you can step out and elevate your own game."

K-State begins the spring season Feb. 14 at the Oak Hills Country Club in San Antonio where it plans to participate in the University of Texas-San Antonio Oak Hills Invitational.