Going strong, looking to future Golf - the little-known, often misunderstood sport equated with power lunches, country clubs, old men and polo shirts. After all, how many people.really understand a sport where you try not to score points? However, in recent years, golfs popularity as a whole has grown. The Harding University golf team consisted of six men who contributed their individual techniques at each of the tournaments. The members of the golf team were seniors Richie Whaley and Stan Short, juniors Jeff Powell and Jared Lillard, sophomore Jared Smith and freshman Aaron Farley. The team was led by head coach Nicky Boyd. The golf team is different from other sports teams because they play in tournaments rather than games. The tournaments are typically held in locations other than Searcy. Traveling to the different tournaments is something the players enjoy doing. "It was really exciting for me to playa tournament in my hometown of Memphis because my family was able to come and watch," Whaley said. "It was fun traveling to different tournaments, especially spending time in Dallas for the Lone Star Conference tournament," Lillard said. The spring season began with an inspiring fourth place finish in the Doyle Wallace Classic hosted by Henderson State University. Short's low score of76 led the Bisons to a final score of 314. The team finished eighth out of 11 in the Burris Inc. Collegiate Classic and seventh out of nine in the Christian Brothers University tournament. The Freed Hardeman Invitational ended the season on a high note. Farley, the newest addition to the team, led them to a remarkable season end with an individual fourth place finish, resulting in a third place finish for the .men's golf team. "We had an awful first day, but we came back in the last round and finished with the third lowest score," Whaley said. "The Freed Hardeman tournament was the best finish for the year," Boyd said. "We played our best and it was encouraging." The men's golf team finished eighth in the Lone Star Conference Championship and played at the Texas Star golf course in Dallas, Texas. Smith made the Lone Star Academic Team, and Powell was MVP with the lowest stroke average. Next season the golf team will be competing in the Gulf South tournament. "I am looking forward to the 2000-2001 golf season," Boyd said. "With new additions to the team and strong returning players, I feel we can improve in the new Gulf South Conference." - Meredith Garrity Sophomore Jared Smith and senior Stan Short practice their putting skills as sophomore Jeff Powell looks on. Members of the golf team were: Aaron Farley, Greg Ramer, Jason Harding, Stan Short, Richie Whaley, Jared Lillard, Wes Pugh, Jared Smith and Jeff Powell. Photo by Mark Kinonen. ~G=o~lf~ ______________ ~~ Athletics V:J
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