The terms “versatility” and
“interchangeable” are not frequently associated with
golf, but such characteristics are exactly what the No. 1 UCLA
men’s golf team credits to its extremely successful start of
the 2003-2004 season.
The Bruins wrapped up their official fall season by capturing
their third championship Tuesday, inking out a one-stroke victory
over Texas Christian at The Prestige, hosted by UC Davis on La
Quinta Resort’s Mountain Course.
“We needed to come out and play better than we did the
first day,” coach O.D. Vincent said. “It was a
real well-balanced scoring effort (Tuesday).”
Trailing by five shots entering Tuesday’s final round,
UCLA shot a collective 7-under par to erase the deficit and ensure
the victory, as not a single Bruin posted a score above
par. The 7-under par team total was one shot off of the
tournament record for a single round.
“We needed to hit more greens,” said Vincent of the
difference between the team’s play Monday and
Tuesday. “I think we got too cute around the greens
(Monday) and had trouble getting it up and down.”
With the tournament outcome still largely in doubt heading into
the last hole, UCLA performed brilliantly under pressure, sealing
the victory with three birdies on the par-5 18th hole.
“To come from behind, it really felt great,” said
freshman Chris Heintz, whose 7-foot birdie putt on the final hole
ultimately secured the victory.
Heintz, competing in only his second collegiate tournament, led
the way for the Bruins statistically, shooting a 1-under par 71 in
the final round to finish The Prestige in ninth place at 3-under
par.Â
“My game is getting better,” Heintz
said. “It has really progressed since the first
tournament I played up in Seattle. I’m playing with the
big boys now.”
Finishing right behind Heintz was senior Steve Conway, who
posted rounds of 72, 72 and 70 respectively, to finish the
tournament alone in 10th place at 2-under par.Â
Senior Roy Moon finished one shot behind Conway, shooting an
even-par 72 in the third round to finish at 1-under par for the
tournament and tied for 11th place.Â
Senior John Merrick and junior John Poucher couldn’t have
chosen a better time to post their lone sub-par round of the
tournament, shooting 1-under and 3-under par respectively, en route
to UCLA’s dramatic comeback victory.Â
Although the team has gotten off to one of its best starts in
history, Vincent still sees room for improvement.Â
“This year overall, we have three wins in five
tournaments,” Vincent said. “But if you talk to
the guys, they will say they haven’t had a good
tournament.
Vincent and the team are off to Myrtle Beach, SC to compete in
the Hooters Men’s Collegiate Match Play
Championship.Â
“We are going to relax and enjoy ourselves,” Vincent
said. “We have no expectations heading into this
event.”