After faltering a weekend ago, the UR golf team rebounded at the Hershey Invitational, riding a consistent play to a second place finish in the 15-team competition.
Last week’s play fueled this week’s play, but it was the finish at Hershey that sophomore Patrick Shanahan sees as important for the team’s mindset.
“It definitely helped our confidence after the poor results from last weekend,” Shanahan said. “We were a little disappointed with our finish in last week’s tournament and knew that we could improve upon it.”
Shanahan had put up a stellar performance. He shot a 78 the first round and a 76 the second, giving him a total of 154 strokes, which put him at a fifth place finish.
This score was a welcome sign after last weekend’s tournament, which featured an uncharacteristic 85 strokes in the first round.
“Last weekend, I struggled mightily, but this weekend, I began to regain the form that I have been accustomed too,” Shanahan said. “Hopefully, I will be able to continue getting my game where I need it and then the scores should follow.”
Shanahan’s solid game was overshadowed by the stellar play of freshman Stephen Goodridge, who exited the second and final round of the tournament shooting a 71.
His spectacular outing placed Goodridge among the nine players to finish the round under par, earning him medalist honors for the tournament.
For Goodridge, his two day total of 145 was a matter of the right course at the right time.
“I think the reason why I played so well is because I enjoyed playing the course, which is a traditional style golf course,” Goodridge said.
“The course conditions were great both days too.”
Despite the strong play by UR’s two lead guns, both were quick to acknowledge the contributions of their teammates, especially junior Chris Wuest.
“Chris Wuest played well on the first day with a 77 that really helped the team get into position to win,” Goodridge said.
Shanahan attributed Wuest’s play to the payoffs of his unheralded work ethic.
“Chris has been working very hard on some changes with his swing and finally it all seemed to come together,” Shanahan said.
With the team positioned in the right direction it is full speed ahead to this weekend’s tournament, The Shootout at Spring Church in Apollo, PA, with their NCAA tournament hopes still hanging in the balance.
“Heading into the next tournament, we have to have the same attitude as last week,” Goodridge said. “We can’t afford a letdown that could affect our chances of getting to Nationals.”
Allard can be reached at dallard@campustimes.org.
