Central opens men’s golf season in Florida Saturday

Central College

PELLA—After four weeks of practice, the Central College men’s golf team opens its spring season Saturday at the Hamilton College (N.Y.) Saints Invitational in Port St. Lucie, Fla.

The Dutch meet Hamilton, Wisconsin Lutheran College, Wesleyan University (Conn.) and NCAA Division I Chicago State University (Ill.) in the one-day tournament.

“It’s hard to judge the competition this time of year especially since we’re all northern teams,” coach Chad Green said. “But if we play the way we’re capable we can compete for the title.”

The 6,600-yard Saints Golf Course is a par-72.

“It’s your typical Florida golf course,” Green said. “Water comes into play on 15 holes.”

The tournament will count the best four scores on the team, but instead of playing five golfers, teams will play six. Central will enter two squads in the competition.

Leading up to the tournament, the Dutch will play four other courses: Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge, Royal St. Cloud Golf Links, Kissimmee Golf Club and Mission Inn Resort and Club, site of the Division III Championship May 15-18.

Green is pleased with what he’s seen from the squad in practice.

“I’m happy with the work ethic and the team had a tremendous offseason,” he said. “We look really good inside, but you always look good inside. The challenge is taking what we’ve been working on and applying it to a real golf course.”

Although Central has taken advantage of the warm weather, Green is anxious to play in more favorable settings.

“We’ve been out to the driving range and course a handful of times but everything’s a little soggy,” he said. “We’re looking forward to the good weather and courses in playable conditions.”