The Union University men’s and women’s golf teams played in the Buccaneer Spring Classic hosted by Christian Brothers University at Irene Golf and Country Club in Memphis, Tenn. on March 9-10.
The men’s team placed third out of six teams after three rounds of 18 holes. On Monday, March 9, the men’s team played 36 holes firing a 313 and 315. On Tuesday, they shot 293 as a team which moved them up to 3rd place. The team was led by Jordan Botwinick, senior marketing major, as he shot 76-80 on Monday. Then, on the last day, he fired a score of 69 to finish tied for 8th place individually. His teammate, Ethan Phillips, sophomore psychology major, shot 78-74 for his first two rounds. Phillips was in the top 10, and then shot 76 f0r his final round and dropped to T12.
“I felt like I kept my emotions in check very well. Even though I didn’t have the best first rounds, I never got discouraged,” Botwinick said. “You have good days with golf, and then you can have bad days. The best thing to do is to learn from your mistakes and never stop working hard.”
Even though the conditions of this tournament were not ideal, both teams battled hard.
The women’s team placed 3rd out of six teams. On Monday, the total score the team shot was 316, and on Tuesday, they shot 315. Kallie Robertson, freshman business marketing major, and Nicole Taylor, freshman cell molecular and biology/pre-pharmacy major, finished 2nd and 3rd out of 37 golfers at the tournament. Robertson shot 80, 73 for a total of 153, and Taylor only one stroke behind her shot 75, 79 for a total of 154.
“I’m excited for what the future holds for us in the upcoming tournaments because I know each girl is working hard everyday to get better and bring their best to this team,” said Robertson. “I am anxious to see how good we can do if we stay positive and confident in ourselves and each other while we keep improving.”
For Taylor, the best part of the tournament was seeing how even on a day that may not be her best, she can still finish at a high level.
“I truly believe confidence in yourself and teammates is what wins golf tournaments,” said Robertson.
