The Harding golf teams returned home this week after finishing up their final golf tournaments of the fall season. The men’s golf team traveled to Florence, Ala. and competed in the TVA Credit Union Invitational.
After a strong showing in the early part of the season, including a team victory at the Great American Conference Preview, the Bisons looked to finish the fall portion of their schedule on a good note. However, after going into the final round of the tournament in 10th place overall, the men were not able to stage a comeback at the Turtle Point Yacht and Country Club. They finished off their final round in 11th place.
“We were disappointed in the performance but not our effort,” head men’s golf coach, Charles Howell said. “Conditions were perfect for golf this fall, but we certainly missed an opportunity to play well against top 25 teams in the nation.”
While Harding did not post a top team score in their final tournament this fall, junior Nathan Kannenberg did have a good finish to his fall season as he held on to finish 17th place in Florence.
While Howell took notice to the team’s superior effort this fall, he also said he knows it is far too early in the golf season to lose your motivation.
“Golf is a long season and we still have five more tournaments left before conference,” Howell said, “The guys will rest and then refocus for the spring season.”
As for the Lady Bisons’ golf team, they were in Sherwood, Ark., this week to take part in the Deltoid Timber/Commercial Bank Fall Classic. Harding was one of six teams to compete in the event and had a strong showing that led them to a third-place finish as a team.
Harding was led by the junior duo of Emily Plyler and Brittany Marquez as both golfers played well this week and tied for third-place individually.
While this week’s performance was a big boost for Plyler and Marquez in the big picture, this is the second time this season for Marquez to finish in the top five of a tournament and the third time this season for Plyler to post a top five finish.
Despite the strong individual performances, Plyler said the team is looking to stay motivated and perform even better in tournaments once the spring season arrives.
“I think it is safe to say that my entire team has a mutual feeling of disappointment with our performances,” Plyler said. “But, I’m sure we will come back stronger this spring and use this tournament as motivation and incentive.”
