Spring Break
Beavers take to links in Southern California
Oregon State men begin spring golf season today at USC Collegiate Invitational Tournament led by junior Paul Peterson, who placed throughout fall
John Daly
Issue date: 2/23/09 Section: Sports
As winter quickly fades, springtime brings with it a new season for the Oregon State University men's golf team, which looks to start its spring season strong in the USC Collegiate Invitational Tournament in Southern California today and tomorrow.
The Beavers hope to pick up right where they left off in late 2008, as they performed very well in last season's fall tournaments.
When considering that the team finished in eighth-place or better in every fall event - including finishing in the top-five twice and tying for first once - it is clear that the Beavers' talent level is on par with the best NCAA teams.
In last September's San Francisco Intercollegiate, OSU finished in a tie for fifth place as junior Paul Peterson shot the lowest scores of the weekend for the Beavers. His one-over-par effort was good enough to tie for third place among all golfers. One month later in Palm Desert, Calif., the team came together again to place third in the Wyoming Desert Intercollegiate Tournament. Peterson again had the team-low score with five-over-par, placing him 10th overall.
Perhaps the most impressive team performance was last September's 2008 Giustina Memorial Classic. The team put up consistent rounds all weekend long, earning it the shared spot at the top of the tournament. Also, junior Diego Velasquez shot a blistering eight-under-par to lead all individual golfers. Peterson aided with his powerful four-under-par performance, which was good enough for third place yet again.
In the transition from last year to present, the men's team lost some powerful and experienced players, including Mitch Gillis and Vincent Johnson, who routinely led the team in scoring.
Johnson's single season stroke average of 72.43 was good enough for third all-time in school history. Just days ago, he proved his talent with an appearance in a PGA Tour event. He received an exemption for the Northern Trust Open at Riviera Country Club, where he shot an opening round score of one-under-par.
Losing players as powerful and experienced as Johnson can easily wreak havoc on any team, but the Beavers don't intend to slow down. Led by players like Peterson, Velasquez, senior Alex Williams and freshman Alex Moore, the talented men's golf team figures to be contending for tournament wins this spring.
Today's USC Collegiate Invitational Tournament is an excellent opportunity for the Beavers to showcase their talent and establish themselves as contenders. Taking a fresh lineup into the event, the team can expect to see competitive scores. Most OSU players are familiar with the North Ranch Country Club, a 6,869-yard course in Westlake Village, Calif., where 13 other NCAA teams in competition will join OSU.
John Daly, sports writer
sports@dailybarometer.com
The Beavers hope to pick up right where they left off in late 2008, as they performed very well in last season's fall tournaments.
When considering that the team finished in eighth-place or better in every fall event - including finishing in the top-five twice and tying for first once - it is clear that the Beavers' talent level is on par with the best NCAA teams.
In last September's San Francisco Intercollegiate, OSU finished in a tie for fifth place as junior Paul Peterson shot the lowest scores of the weekend for the Beavers. His one-over-par effort was good enough to tie for third place among all golfers. One month later in Palm Desert, Calif., the team came together again to place third in the Wyoming Desert Intercollegiate Tournament. Peterson again had the team-low score with five-over-par, placing him 10th overall.
Perhaps the most impressive team performance was last September's 2008 Giustina Memorial Classic. The team put up consistent rounds all weekend long, earning it the shared spot at the top of the tournament. Also, junior Diego Velasquez shot a blistering eight-under-par to lead all individual golfers. Peterson aided with his powerful four-under-par performance, which was good enough for third place yet again.
In the transition from last year to present, the men's team lost some powerful and experienced players, including Mitch Gillis and Vincent Johnson, who routinely led the team in scoring.
Johnson's single season stroke average of 72.43 was good enough for third all-time in school history. Just days ago, he proved his talent with an appearance in a PGA Tour event. He received an exemption for the Northern Trust Open at Riviera Country Club, where he shot an opening round score of one-under-par.
Losing players as powerful and experienced as Johnson can easily wreak havoc on any team, but the Beavers don't intend to slow down. Led by players like Peterson, Velasquez, senior Alex Williams and freshman Alex Moore, the talented men's golf team figures to be contending for tournament wins this spring.
Today's USC Collegiate Invitational Tournament is an excellent opportunity for the Beavers to showcase their talent and establish themselves as contenders. Taking a fresh lineup into the event, the team can expect to see competitive scores. Most OSU players are familiar with the North Ranch Country Club, a 6,869-yard course in Westlake Village, Calif., where 13 other NCAA teams in competition will join OSU.
John Daly, sports writer
sports@dailybarometer.com
Note: writers will not reply to comments.
Be the first to comment on this story
Comments by registered users are approved by default.