Jacob Kittipol | Echo
The Taylor men's golf team will be looking to yet another Crossroads League Championship on April 29th. After coming in first at the Ackerman-Allen shootout classic, the 16th ranked Trojans has now combined for seven first place finishes this season, along with seven top-three placements in tournaments. With a successful season now behind them, capitalizing on that success with a championship is the currently the team's top priority.
"Just the success that the team has seen, that's been really fun to be apart of," junior Scott Marston said, "We all have the team goal ahead of our own individual goals, that's how we do it over on the course (of the season)."
On April 15, Marston lead the way for the Trojans at the Ackerman-Allen classic, carding a career-low of 4 under par-68 in round one and even par-tally of 72 in round two. Combining for a total two-round of 140 (-4), Marson edged his own teammate, senior Alec Dutkowski by a mere two strokes. For a sport that hinges much on individual success, the men's golf team has enjoyed the opportunities to compete and help each other grow as athletes over the course of the long season.
As the 16th ranked Trojans gear up for the end of the year Crossroads League tournament, a few mental adjustments still have to be made.
"We know that everybody is looking to try to beat us." Marson said, "We're going into with a confidence that we can win, but also with the humility that we have to work hard to do it."
The team finished the season before the winter of 2018 with averages of 296.46, low 18s of 286 and low 36s of 599.
"We're trying to win our fourth straight Crossroads League Championship next week." head coach Cam Andry said, "our approach really won't change from what it's been all year long. We're hoping to make the game as simple as possible by playing with sound strategy and just remaining in the moment throughout the tournament."
The upcoming tournament also comes at a timely moment; seemingly two weeks after the finish of the world renowned tournament 'The Masters'. Tiger Woods, whom many consider to be greatest to ever play, returned after years of scrutiny and borderline obscurity to take home his fifth green jacket, one of the sport's most prestigious awards. The inspiring feat hasn't gone unnoticed by Taylor's golf team.
"For me and many of the guys on our team, Tiger Woods' influence on the game is a one of the biggest reasons we all fell in love with golf." Andry said, "Nearly every guy on the team is a big Tiger fan and seeing him win The Masters was something we were all very excited about!"
The men's team hope to bring home their fourth straight championship in Blackthorn Golf Club, South Bend Indiana on April 29 and 30.
