Sebastian Fischer
Sports Editor
In the program’s second season, few golfers carry the hopes of many
You probably haven’t seen any golf balls flying through the Triangle lately. However, that doesn’t mean that Bryan has no golf team.
Indeed, Bryan’s golf program is in its second season since Head Coach Peter Bollant and his first recruiting class teed off in the fall of 2010.
Bollant said the program faced some challenges but made some big leaps forward since its inauguration.
“You need a certain number of players to get a program going,” he said, explaining that only recent additions – like freshman Barden Braugh, a transfer from Lipscomb College – gave the team the necessary depth to be competitive.
Although winning as a team with a program in its infancy would be “miraculous,” according to Bollant, the Lions are starting to make a name for themselves with outstanding individual performances.
Australian Dean Hoare Bryan’s number one player
For the men’s team, Sophomore Dean Hoare and seniors Adam Forgey and Ian Long are leading the line.
Hoare was already close to making the national tournament last season, as he missed the qualification by just one stroke. This year the Lions’ No.1 Golfer has another shot at the AAC title (AAC Championship will be held in Winchester, Tenn. on April 16 and 17) and earning an individual NAIA National Championship berth, said Bollant.
Hoare wows spectators with an impressive swing, but needs to improve consistency in his short game – an area where Forgey excels.
“Adam is our best putter, but not as consistent from the tee,” said Bollant.
Bollant describes Long, the team’s captain, as a hard worker, great leader and good character on and off the golf course, something the coach demands from his whole roster.
Excellence on the golf course and in the classroom
He said that while he aims towards building a strong, competitive Varsity and Junior Varsity program, he never wants his athletes to lose sight of their academics.
“We are trying to build a culture of excellence,” said Bollant, demanding good grades as well as good swings.
In the Lions first meet this year, the Mississippi Spring Invitational in Delhi, La., Hoare proved the kind of good character his coach is looking for. After being in a tie for first place after round 1, Hoare realized that a scorekeeper had marked a hole that he parred as a birdie. He self-reported the mistake although it meant he was disqualified.
“[Dean] picked truth and character over winning. I have never been more proud of a player,” said Bollant.
Instead of finishing second, the Lions finished the day ranked eight and placed 7th after round two of the tournament.
In their most recent performance, the Lions were competitive but finished last among a field of top NAIA programs at the Lee University Invitational (Cleveland, Tenn.).
Nelson among favorites for Women’s AAC Championship
For the women’s team, junior Audrey Nelson carries the Lady Lions’ hopes on her back. According to Bollant, she has an outstanding chance of winning the All-Conference title and winning the qualifier for the NAIA Championship.
The women’s AAC Championship will be held in Greeneville, Tenn. on April 23 and 24.
While preparing for the peak of this season, Bollant also consistently works on next year’s team. For the men’s roster, he is currently talking to a lot of European players and has verbal commitments from three Englishmen. For the women’s team, four signings are fixed for next fall.
With more depth, Bollant thinks the women’s team, which didn’t receive a team score yet this season, will soon have a shot at competing for the conference title.
The men’s team competes at Bear Trace at Cumberland Mountain against Bluefield College on Saturday. The women are in action again April 2 and 3.