Men's golf not playing up to its expectations

Coming off a fall season that included three tournament victories last year, the Husky men's golf team's expectations were high for 2002-03. After no wins this fall, the team has not lived up to its own higher standards.

"We've had decent moments, but not as good as last year," said junior Corey Prugh. "Nobody really got into a rhythm. It's almost good to get it over with."

The Huskies have finished high in every tournament, but have not been able secure the elusive tourney title. Last fall, the men managed three wins in the fall season, and were ranked 11th before the spring season began.

"We've been in the top 10 of every tournament, we just haven't been putting up consistent numbers," said assistant coach Ryan Folkman.

Even without the consistency that the coaches have been looking for, the Washington men have continued to be ranked as one of the top programs in the nation. Part of this success can be found in junior Brock Mackenzie, who was selected as a second-team all-American at the end of last season. Mackenzie was the team's top finisher in three of the four tournaments this fall. The Huskies have also made the most of their experience, with six of the 10 players on the roster being upperclassmen.

"Our seniors have been leaders on the team, then we have Brock Mackenzie, who's a junior all-American, and he has been a good leader as well. The team works really well together as a whole," Folkman said. "We rely a lot on Brock and he has proved that to be a good decision."

Now that the fall season is over, the Husky men find themselves with a two-month break before the spring season begins.

"For most of the team, it's time to put the clubs in the closet for a little bit and take a break," Mackenzie said. "Fortunately, our main season is spring, that's when nationals is. It's better to peak in the spring than it is in the fall, so at least we know what we need to work on."

February brings the first tournament of the spring season, the Waikoloa/Taylor Made Invitational in Hilo, Hawaii, a tournament the men finished eighth in last season.

"Every guy has put together a good round in each tournament," Folkman said. "We need to be more consistent and put together more of those low rounds. We have players on our team that are capable of winning any tournament."

Even without performing up to their expectations, the Husky men finished the fall season ranked 26th in the country. With two months left before the spring season begins, the coaches and players believe the potential for success is there.

"I'm looking for more consistency, and more motivation. If we work hard as a team and get a couple of good finishes we can get that desire to win again," Prugh said. "We need to step up and feel more confident about how good we are."