Last Saturday, the Bowdoin women’s golf team started its season at the Brunswick Golf Course, winning the Bowdoin Invitational for the third year in a row. With 363 strokes, Bowdoin scored over 20 strokes fewer than second place Husson. The following day, the Polar Bears followed up their victory at the Bobcat Invitational in Auburn, Maine. Bowdoin won with 362 strokes.

The women’s golf team is led by Captain Caroline Farber ’20. Farber carded the best individual score in both tournaments, shooting a -1 at the Bowdoin Invitational and a -4 at the Bobcat Invitational.

“When you get into the zone in golf it starts to feel effortless and that’s how I felt this past weekend,” said Farber.

In addition to Farber’s first place finishes, the women’s golf team received top-10 performances from Emme McCabe ’20 and Haley Baldwin ’22. McCabe finished in third place in the Bowdoin Invitational and then completed the weekend with a second place performance in the Bobcat Invitational. Baldwin opened her collegiate golf career with a sixth place finish in Brunswick and a fourth place finish in Auburn.

The weekend’s success was a great start to new Head Coach Stu Cady’s career. Cady previously worked as a PGA golf professional in Massachusetts. Erin Cady, the Bowdoin volleyball team’s head coach and Stu’s wife, connected him with the Bowdoin Athletic Department.

“I drastically prefer coaching in a team setting because I can put a plan together and see the progress that my golfers make,” said Cady. “Oftentimes, my lessons [in Massachusetts] were a one-time deal and you would never see them again. It’s more rewarding to put a plan together and see what these young women are capable of.”

Cady’s experience teaching golf at a high level is invaluable to the members of his team.

“He is really good at helping us with the mental aspect of the game as well as our mechanics. Having someone who you trust with your swing is huge for your confidence,” said Farber.

In addition to adjusting to a new coach, the Polar Bears had to rebuild their team after four of seven golfers graduated last year. As a result, the team has had to rely on walk-on players instead of recruits. Cady, Farber and McCabe have all readily embraced the varying levels of experience on the team this season.

“Caroline and I try to show that we are very motivated and take golf very seriously to set an example for everyone else,” said McCabe. “They can see how much time we put into it, and that makes everyone on the team more motivated.”

“It’s really easy with this group of golfers. They’re great kids to be around, they’re personable, and they’re fun to be on the course with,” said Cady.

Women’s golf will compete this weekend in the Maine State Tournament at the Bangor Municipal Golf Course. Bates, a strong competitor last weekend, will be in Bangor as well. The team hopes to continue its winning streak against NESCAC competitors.