The men's golf team opened up competition for the season this past Tuesday at Natanis Golf Club in Vassalboro, Maine. The Polar Bears competed in the Thomas College Terrier Invitational against a seven-team field.
Led by John Bohorquez '13 (79) and Max Bridges '11 (80), the Polar Bears achieved second place in the tournament. Ryan Blossom '10 (83), Turner Kufe '11 (84) and Kevin Smith '11 (86) also contributed to the team's effort and propelled the Polar Bears to their second-place finish. Bowdoin walked off the golf course with an aggregate score of 326, just 8 shots off the score posted by first place Husson.
"Scores out there were higher than expected," said Kufe, a co-captain of this year's team. "The course was tight and firm, but it seemed like most teams, including our own, put too much pressure to do well in the first tournament. However, we're excited about the good play by a couple new starters."
The Polar Bears lost two starters (including all-NESCAC player Jeff Cutter) from last season to graduation but were happy to see young talent step into the lineup and contribute to the team's success right off the bat.
The medalist honors were nearly earned by Bohorquez, who finished just one shot off the lead in his collegiate debut. The team believes that the role that Bohorquez and Bridges play will prove to be a key factor to the team's continued success throughout the season.
Last year Bowdoin finished fifth in the NESCAC tournament, a competition in which the top four teams qualify for competition in the spring. They hope to capitalize on the new talent in the lineup this year and finish in the top four. Bowdoin also returns three starters to the lineup from the 2008 season and hopes that their experience will play a major part in the team's success.
Blossom, who returns as the No. 1 player on the team and is a co-captain this year, earned all-NESCAC honors during his junior campaign. If Blossom picks up where he left off last season, the Polar Bears believe that they will have a great chance at finishing as one of the top teams in the NESCAC.
The team will be hosting the Bowdoin Invitational this weekend at the Brunswick Golf Course. The Polar Bears look to take advantage of their home course and finish at the top of the leader board.