Georgetown men’s golf Head Coach Tommy Hunter likes to call his team “the best-kept secret on campus.” This spring, the secret may get out-the Hoyas are poised to qualify for the NCAA tournament for only the second time in the team’s history with three weeks of competition remaining.
Georgetown heads to this weekend’s Princeton Invitational in fourth place in the Mid-Atlantic District based on the teams’ cumulative scores for the fall and spring seasons. The top four teams in each of the four East Coast districts will compete in the first round of the NCAAs, the East Regional tournament. According to Hunter, Penn, Maryland and James Madison University have a lock on the top three positions, and the Hoyas will be battling William and Mary, Princeton, Navy and Liberty for the final spot.
“There are over 300 men’s golf teams in the country, so it’s not easy to make the NCAAs,” said Hunter. “The next three tournaments are extremely important for us, but I’m very proud of these guys.”
The Hoyas had a record-breaking fall, setting a team scoring record for 54 holes with an 858 and ending the season with a Big East-leading 291 scoring average per 18 holes, the lowest ever for a Georgetown team. This spring, the Hoyas received a third seed for the Big East Championship on April 21-22 in South Bend, Ind.
“In the past we’ve had great players and lots of talent, but right now we’re more enthusiastic and intense about winning than ever before,” said junior James Farrah, who was the Individual Champion at the William and Mary Invitational in March. “Everyone is giving 150 percent.”
The cornerstone of the team is junior Nick Cook, who last summer became the first Georgetown golfer to qualify for the U.S. Amateur Championship and was Georgetown’s top finisher at the Navy Spring Invitational in Annapolis, Md. last weekend, tying for third place.
“Nick has created an atmosphere of success,” said Hunter. “He has never missed an event since he’s been here. He’s a model not only of success but of consistency.”
On the course, Cook is known as an extremely competitive golfer who never makes a mental mistake. As captain, he is known as a dedicated team player and motivator.
“Nick has been one of the most successful captains as far as blending the personalities of twelve guys,” said Hunter. “He does it by outworking people. When he gets to the practice range it’s all business, and the younger guys follow in line.”
“Nick is a big part of our success, on top of contributing his scores,” said Farrah, who is Cook’s practice partner. “He’s the guy sending out almost daily e-mails updating us on our district standings and encouraging players to practice. Just from that you can tell his love for the team and the game.”
Both Cook and Farrah plan to turn professional when they graduate in 2004. Cook participated in a qualifier for the Greater Hartford Open, a PGA event in Hartford, Conn. two years ago, and missed qualifying by two shots, beating PGA tour players Dave Stockton, Jr. and Phil Tataurangi.
“That first experience was very encouraging,” said Cook. “I’ve put a lot of time and effort into this sport and I’d be unhappy if I didn’t try [turning professional].”
The team on the whole is extremely young-three of the six travelling golfers, Chad DeLuca, Matt Myers, and David Erikson, are underclassmen. Hunter said Cook and Farrah’s leadership has been integral to their winning attitude.
“Nick and James are best of friends, but when they get on the course it’s war,” he said. “Their game and practice effort spreads.”
The Hoyas’ newfound dedication is evident in their practice schedule. The traveling team plays six days a week including tournaments, with practices at Avenel in Potomac, Md. averaging around four hours. Cook and Farrah estimate that they practice for five to six hours, Tuesday through Friday.
“I have 8:50 classes four days a week,” said Cook, a psychology major. “It makes putting together a class schedule very difficult, but I just enjoy [practicing]. There’s nothing I’d rather do.”
While the team is focused on keeping its NCAA qualifying position in Mid Atlantic District, the players are already happy with their successful season and increased team chemistry.
“We’ve always known where we should be, and been frustrated when we didn’t perform at that level,” said Farrah. “This season has been strong from the first tournament. It feels good to finally get there.”
