Sports > September 20, 2007

By James Burnett | Staff writer

The 23rd-ranked Demon Deacon men’s golf team traveled to Rocky Face, Ga., Sept. 14-16 to compete in the Carpet Capital Collegiate on The Farm golf course.

The competition kicked off the team’s season and saw them finish tied for seventh despite the absence of standout senior Webb Simpson. Sophomore Brendan Gielow led the Deacons, shooting an even par 216 and finishing 10th overall.

Sophomore Dustin Groves shot the low round of the tournament for the Deacons, firing a two under 70 to close the tournament and finish 18th.

The Deacons’ top five was rounded out by senior Chris McCartin placing 28th, sophomore Travis Wadkins placing 56th and freshman Preston Yates placing 89th.

“The expectations this year are high,” said men’s assistant coach Chris Yoder. “We are more talented depth-wise, and were really excited going into this tournament. We are still looking for guys to step up, but know we as coaches can help with the decision making out on the golf course.”

Gielow echoed Coach Yoder’s enthusiasm.

“I expected to play well,”Gielow said. “This is my favorite course all year, although it did play a lot harder (than last year).”

“We did miss Webb (Simpson) and the chemistry he brings to the team, but we all expected to play well and are starting to get into the swing of things,” he said.

The tournament also saw the practice of a new NCAA rule for golf.

The “500” rule states that no team with a record below .500 can compete in the NCAA Championships.

The Deacons did not seem phased by the new rule.

“You just have to relax and continue to play well,” said Yoder.

“There can only be a few teams above .500, so we have to be at our best every tournament.”

“The .500 rule helps teams that are consistently good and forces us to save all of our shots this year,” Gielow said.

The Deacons travel next to the VCU shootout at the Hermitage Golf Course, where they were victorious last year.

“I haven’t played this course before, but the team won there last year,” said Gielow.

“I expect the team to finish well, if not win.”