The MSU men’s golf team finished sixth this week at the Raising Cane Classic at the Canebrake Golf Club in Hattiesburg. The team finished with a score of 871 on the par-71, 6,964-yard course. Though optimistic, sophomore Greg Huxman thought the team could have done better.
“We did OK for the first tournament. It’s a little disappointing because we probably should have finished in third,” said Huxman.
Senior Daniel Boles agreed.
“It was important that we came out on the second day and not lose any ground but at the same time we didn’t gain any, I know we are better than that and we will prove it during the season,” said Boles.
Team captain Joe Deraney captured his first Top 20 finish of the season. Deraney, who finished in a tie for 17th, delivered his best performance on the final day of the tournament when he shot a 72. He also recorded the best score for the three-day tournament among the Bulldogs with a 216.
“I was a little disappointed with my play because this was a good course for me. I struck the ball well but my short game wasn’t good,” Deraney said. “Winners make putts and we didn’t do that.”
The difference between 17th place and 30th was a mere three strokes and that is where Daniel Boles finished. Boles had the best opening day score with a 70 and finished with a 219 for the tournament.
“I played solid but I had two double-bogeys and a triple during the tournament and that’s where the separation from 17th to 30th is,” said Boles.
One stroke and four slots behind Boles was Huxman at 220. Huxman was happy with his scores but also had a few holes hinder his score.
“I shot bogey and double-bogey on 17 and 18, otherwise I would have had a good score,” said Huxman. “I hit into the water on 18, after that I couldn’t get up and down. I’m pretty hard on myself so it was really disappointing. But, without the last two holes, I’m happy with my scores.”
Huxman was one of the more consistent golfers on the team for the tournament shooting a 73 his first two rounds and a 74 in his final round.
“I tried to play one shot at a time and go from tee to fairway to green–just keep everything simple,” said Huxman.
Tim Satow and Josh Oller finished one and two strokes behind Huxman with a 221 and a 222, respectively.
The University of Mississippi won the team title for the tournament, shooting a combined 841.