Golf Continues Prep for 2015-16 Season
April 07, 2015 05:01 PM | General
|
Last month, the squad took a spring break trip to Jacksonville, Florida, for a slew of practices outside of Morgantown’s wintry confines. In addition to playing at Pablo Creek Golf Course and Sawgrass Country Club, the trip was highlighted by a round at TPC Sawgrass. One of the most well-known courses in the United States, TPC Sawgrass is ranked as one of the top courses in Florida and the U.S. by both Golfweek and Golf Digest, and famously serves as the backdrop for Tiger Woods PGA Tour. The Mountaineers got the opportunity to play the Stadium Course, which was constructed with a stadium-like atmosphere to host The Players Championship and is noted one of the most difficult courses in the world.
Coach Sean Covich used the trip as his first “qualifier” of the spring season. Sophomore Chris Williams, who transferred to West Virginia from Coastal Carolina this winter, took top honors in the team’s competition.
“It was a great week for us to sort of knock off the rust,” said Covich. “Now that the weather is nice here in Morgantown, the guys are starting to get their games more consistent.”
The Mountaineers have also continued to pursue off-the-green endeavors as a team. In addition to visiting the WVU Children’s Hospital earlier in the year, the squad spent an afternoon reading to young children at a local daycare. They also volunteered at Stepping Stones, a local non-profit organization that provides activities to children and adults with disabilities.
“This semester, we’ve had great experiences serving the community,” Covich said. “It’s been a blast getting to meet so many people.”
This time of year is generally jam-packed for sports fans, highlighted by the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship and Major League Baseball’s opening day. However, the focus will now shift to the golf world, as the PGA gears up for the Masters. Covich and his squad, like any golfers whether recreational, professional or collegiate; are eager to watch – Zach Johnson, in particular, for Covich.
“He’s a guy that was basically a 5-man at a little-known school (Drake) in Iowa,” Covich said. “He didn’t have a ton of success in college, but stuck with it and eventually made the Tour and, of course, won the Masters. He’s not the longest guy off the tee, but simply plays to his strengths – wedges and putts.”
However, Covich uses Big 12 guidelines when selecting who he thinks will win the tournament.
“It’s hard to pick against Jordan Spieth (Texas) and Jimmy Walker (Baylor),” he said. “Those two are playing with a lot of confidence right now. And you can’t forget two-time major champion and former world No. 1 Martin Kaymer.”
However, Covich will root in a different direction.
“Who do I want to win? Freddy Couples. It would be arguably as big as Mr. Nicklaus’ win in 1986.”
Though attending the Masters is a dream for most, Covich and junior Easton Renwick have already checked it off their bucket lists. Covich made it to Augusta National for the practice round in 1995.
“I remember not being able to sleep the night before, just trying to picture what it would be like in real life,” said Covich. “Augusta National did not disappoint. It was hillier than what you would expect. Everything was perfect. It’s the only major that play the same course year after year, and that’s what makes walking the grounds so special. You remember where Jack Nicklaus made the putt on 17, where Tiger Woods chipped in on 16, where Larry Mize chipped in on 11, where Phil Mickelson hit it from the trees on 13 and where Adam Scott made his putt on 18. It's a special place."
While playing for Coastal Carolina, Renwick played Augusta National as part of a tournament hosted by Augusta State (now Georgia Regents University). Competitors were given practice round tickets, allowing Renwick to attend the Monday round in 2013.
“It is one of the best golf experiences I have ever had,” he said. “I had a friend play that year (Nathan Smith, 2012 USGA Mid-Amateur Championship Champion) so it was very cool to see him out on the course playing. I always tell people that you will never understand how incredible it is until you are actually there. There honestly isn't one blade of grass that is out of place. It's perfect.”
As for Renwick’s pick to win this year’s Masters?
“Tiger Woods.”
|
Gold-Blue Spring Festival Fan Recap
Sunday, April 19
John Neider | April 18
Saturday, April 18
Coach Zac Alley | April 18
Saturday, April 18
Coach Rich Rodriguez | April 18
Saturday, April 18
