Overcoming obstacles
The University of Indianapolis’ men’s golf team spent spring break overseas in Puerto Rico playing in an invitation-only tournament.
The Palmas De Mar Intercollegiate Tournament, held in Humaco, Puerto Rico, had a majority of Division I teams out of the 14 participating.
Indianapolis placed eighth as a team.
Seniors Kyle Miller and Seth Fair placed the highest for UIndy finishing in a tie for 29th. Junior Blair Webb finished one back from Fair and Miller, while sophomore Aaron Monson placed 39th. Freshman Brady Klotz tied for 55th and senior Brad Abel placed 59th.
There were 84 individuals competing in the tournament.
Head coach Brent Nicoson said the men’s team garnered this invitation through the respect the ‘Hounds have earned from other teams around the country.
Despite the prestige of the tournament, the team still had to battle the spring break atmosphere with beaches merely 50 feet from their villas.
“The location was beautiful,” Coach Nicoson said. “It was harder to focus; plus the weather has been cruddy here.”
Senior Seth Fair agreed it was difficult to focus.
“The atmosphere was much different because it was very laid back and there weren’t many spectators,” Fair said.
Nicoson said the tournament was good practice because it helped the team open its eyes and see where it needed to improve before the postseason.
Nevertheless, the trip wasn’t all work and no play.
“We took a day after and went deep-sea fishing with the team,” Nicoson said.
Fair added that the team also spent time on the beach in front of their villas when they weren’t playing golf.
“It was hard not to enjoy being there even though the golf wasn’t our best,” Fair said.
Looking ahead, the men’s golf team has a tough schedule for the upcoming months. They have two back-to-back tournaments before the conference tournament and then NCAA’s.
Nicoson said the team is working harder than they ever have. They are hoping to get back in the top 10 in the country before the post-season begins in April.
“We haven’t even played our best yet,” Nicoson said.
As for Puerto Rico, Nicoson and Fair agreed they would definitely go back if UIndy were invited again. The sandy beaches and beautiful location are just too much to pass up for teams who are in-season during spring break and therefore don’t get to enjoy the vacation like the rest of the student body.
Indianapolis played in the University of North Alabama Spring Classic on March 29-30. This tournament was the last tune-up prior to the start of postseason play. Check athletics.uindy.edu for complete updates of the team’s results.
