Sneaking into contention
2/17/2004 12:00:00 AM | Men's Golf
Feb. 17, 2004
By Jay Reddick
If it's possible for a golf program with the venerable history of Wake Forest to have a low profile, this year's team might be the one to fit the bill.
But even if the team is entering the spring season a little quietly, it still hopes to exit with a bang.
The Deacons' starting five for the first tournament of the spring, the Ping Arizona Intercollegiate, had a combined seven years of college experience. Take out the three years for senior All-American Bill Haas, and you are left with an extraordinarily young group, especially compared with last year's unit of four seniors and Haas.
That, more than anything, means great things for the future of Wake Forest golf, but for now, coach Jerry Haas is focused on the present.
"It's been an adjustment," said the Deacons' seventh-year coach. "The guys we had last year knew what to expect, and this year's team needs a little coddling or a little push now and then. But it will be interesting.
"I think it will be a little bit of a rollercoaster, but hopefully we'll be on the way up when it counts."
That's the team's mantra this season: the spring tournaments are a chance to gain experience and gain confidence. The Deacons are doing just that, especially with a second-place finish at the Tulane Invitational in early February. But what really matters are the last three events of the year: the ACC championship, NCAA regional and NCAA championship.
"When it comes down to it, in these early tournaments, you're not playing for much," said Bill Haas, ever the voice of experience. "You're playing for a ranking, to be No. 1, which is a great honor, but we were No. 2 two years ago and didn't make it out of regionals.
"We're not guaranteed anything. You have to think of it like that, especially since we haven't played our best yet. When it comes down to May, that's when we have to be there."
If they are to "be there," Haas will be expected to lead them. He's been the best player in amateur golf over the past two years and has won six tournaments in the past year and a half, including the Tulane Invitational. His weakest tournament last fall was a 12th-place finish at The Preview.
"I was very pleased with the fall," Haas said. "If 12th is the highest I go all year, I'll be OK."
Kyle Reifers has emerged quickly as the No. 2 man on the roster, despite his sophomore status. Jerry Haas said the Ping Arizona Intercollegiate, which ended Feb. 3, marked a big turning point for Reifers.
"Kyle has gotten better and better," Haas said. "His swing has really improved, and he's working hard off the course and on. He has developed that edge that good players have. There was a player in his group (in Arizona) who was yapping a little bit after a 66 in the first round, and Kyle said he thought to himself, I'll have you beat by the end of the week, and he did. That's what the great players do - they set individual goals and they achieve them."
After those two players, the roster is full of athletes with varying experience, but all with the hunger for a chance to play.
Freshman Sean Moore was a two-time state champion at Marshville Forest Hills High. His consistency has suffered a bit as a college golfer, But Haas is hopeful he can put it together in time to be a major contributor in the postseason.
Chad Wilcox, a long-hitting freshman from Arizona, has gained experience in every event so far this year. Barr Blanton, a sophomore walk-on, has earned a chance through hard work, as has unheralded junior Doug Manchester. Senior Buck Williams, back after a redshirt year; sophomore Alex Yates, and freshman Matt McLean will all get their opportunities.
Anyone can see that this team has vast differences from some of the sueccessful teams of recent years. But, says Bill Haas, maybe that's not a bad thing.
"We've improved every week," Haas said. "We've won four or five tournaments a year the last few years and haven't done anything in the national championship. Now, we're gaining experience as the year goes on, and we'll be ready when the time is right."
Players Mentioned
