Men's Golf Smoking At NEIGA Championships

The Harvard men’s golf team posted impressive scores across the board at the 69th Annual NEIGA Championship in Brewster, Mass. over the past two days, placing all five of its members in the top 52 and firing a 306-318—624 to finish third in the field of 45 New England teams.

“This was about as good as I remember doing,” said sophomore D.J. Hynes. “It was a big field and we played well as a team.”

The team was paced by junior Chris Wu, who shot a 74-77—151 en route to finishing in a tie for fourth place overall. His impressive score earned him a spot on the 2003 All New England Team for the tournament.

Wu had six birdies on the weekend, a total that was bested by only two players in the field of 218.

“Given the way that [Wu] has played in recent tournaments, we’re not too surprised,” said freshman Jin Park.

No other Crimson golfer has bested Wu in any tournament thus far this season.

“It’s good to have a guy you can rely on,” Hynes said. “You always know that you’ve got some good scores [coming in when you’re] going into a tournament.”

Park also continued his strong play in his debut season. The lone freshman member of Harvard’s top five shot a 77-82—159 to finish in a tie for 31st.

“Bringing your game from high school to college is a big change,” Hynes said. “[There’s a lot] to balance. He’s done a great job so far and I know he’s only going to get better.”

Park has been able to make the transition easily.

“It really hasn’t been that big of an adjustment,” he said. “It’s still the same game.”

Captain Andrew Klein recorded a 76-79—155 to finish in a tie for 11st, while fellow senior Neal Hegge fired a 78-80—159 to finish tied for 31st with Park. Hegge was also one of only six players to score an eagle in the two rounds.

Klein and Hegge are the only two seniors on the team. When asked about the value of having such veterans on the team, Park stressed the importance of being able to look up to the seniors.

“It’s always nice to have someone who has been through it before,” he said.

Hynes rounded out the scoring for Harvard with a 79-84—163, placing him in a tie for 52nd.

Inclement weather during round two made for adventurous scoring around the board. Winds of 30-45 miles per hour caused all five of Harvard’s players to shoot inflated scores.

The Crimson’s impressive showing in the NEIGA this year was especially gratifying, as the team had struggled in the tournament last year, finishing 13th.

“We didn’t play well last year, and this is a tournament we should do well in,” Hynes said. “We’re one of the better teams in New England.”

This time, Harvard proved it.