Men's Golf Qualifies for ECAC Championships

On the frozen tundra of the White Mountain Country Club in Ashland, New Hampshire, the Harvard Men's Golf Team qualified for the ECAC championships.

Led by the gritty play of captain Luis Sanchez '97, the bold Crimson braved both the wind and 16 other squads to garner 3rd place with a combined score of 323, good enough for a precious spot in the prestigious championships.

The Crimson played a practice round on the course on Wednesday in mild conditions. When they arrived yesterday, however, the wind had shifted direction and picked up in intensity.

"The wind made it feel like a different course from the one we played Wednesday in shorts and shirt sleeves," senior Darren Kilfara said.

With the wind firming up the greens and making shot selection nearly impossible, low scores were out of the question. No one in the field shot under 75. Instead, the tournament became a test of survival.

But the Crimson did more than just survive. Captain Sanchez, used to the winds of Argentina, shot 78, good enough for a tie for fourth place in the individual competition.

Had the Crimson not qualified as a team, Sanchez's score would still have been good enough for an individual berth in the championships.

Next best for the Crimson was Andy Rourke '98, who shot an 81 in his first tournament of the year. Rounding out the scores were Kilfara's and junior Alex Gonzalez's 82s, though the rounds were of two distinctly different styles.

Gonzalez struck the ball well the whole day, but a triple bogey at the final hole marred an otherwise excellent round. Kilfara, by contrast, hit only three greens in regulation but some good putting helped salvage his day.

Although the Crimson ultimately qualified, the day was not without some tension. Salem State College had a chance to tie the Harvard squad if their number 1 player, who was amongst the days last finishers, shot a 78.

After some anxious moments in the clubhouse, the Crimson were relieved to learn that the Salem Stater was not going to reach that score-- meaning the Crimson had qualified third, behind Boston College and Dartmouth.

After a disappointing opening tournament, the Crimson's showing is cause for encouragement. Two years ago, the team also finished third in the qualifying round but went on to win the championships.

The squad hopes to duplicate that feat at this years ECACs, which will be held on October 14 to 15 in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.