Galloway, NJ -
The Bridgewater State club golf team competed in its first Nationals tournament as a team on Septmeber 17-18, 2016 in Galloway, NJ presented by NextGen Golf. The tournament was held at the prestigious Stockton Seaview Hotel and Resort. Led by BSU students Austin Alves, Fergus Keane III, James Baxter, Alex Bellino, Brent Fanti and Colby Demers the team placed 7th out of 11 teams on the first day of competition. The Pines Course offered a difficult and frustrating layout for the field of players but led by its members, Bridgewater State was able to stay in contention.
Following the first round of play, we had the honor of meeting a former PGA pro, Will Wilcox. Being able to talk and converse with a PGA pro was an experience the team members will never forget. Following the meet and greet with Mr. Wilcox, the team took part in many different small contests put on by the tournament leaders. We took part in a putting contest and chipping contest and had the opportunity to compete in golf charades where we matched up against the University of Delaware. BSU came out on top and will be featured on Scratch Golf T.V. on YouTube (video coming soon).
The second day of Nationals we arrived at the course promptly at 7:00 am and immediately went to the range to prepare for our last round. We played the highly regarded Bay course at the Stockton Seaview club, which hosts the Shoprite Classic every year for the LPGA. Through the adversity of high winds and tour like course conditions the team managed to stay on top of their golf game. Notables Fergus Keane III and Austin Alves shot the lowest for Bridgewater on both days to secure the 7th place finish. We will continue to strive to improve our games hoping to qualify for Nationals again in the Fall.
The Bears will compete next at the New England Regional Tournament 1, at the Bay Pointe Club in Onset, MA October 1 -2, 2016.