Troy men’s golf looks to have back-to-back successful seasons

The Troy men’s golf team hopes to continue its individual and team success from last year when it starts the season on Sunday, Sept. 13, at the College of Charleston Invitational at Kiawah Island, South Carolina.

Last season, the Trojans had a league-high four individual golfers named to the All-Sun Belt team. Despite losing some of these key athletes from last season, head coach Matt Terry said he is optimistic going into this season.

“It’s going to be tough with the loss of our four seniors from last year,” Terry said. “But I feel like a lot of the guys that didn’t get as much time to play last year are really going to come in and be able to make their own mark.”

This year’s younger players look to be the difference makers this season, and Terry said that he is looking forward to see how these players handle the tougher courses they will have to play this year. Freshmen Calum Masters and Sam Prater will both play important roles early in the season as they hope to match the play of the upperclassmen.

“This year’s team will be totally different than last year’s team,” Terry said. “It’ll be interesting to see what kind of team they push themselves to be. They look to be more explosive than last year’s team, maybe a little inconsistent, but that’s okay. They’ll find their niche.”

The Trojans look to be challenged this year at tournaments hosted by Georgia State and Auburn. With official practices yet to start, the remainder of the offseason will determine the success of this year’s team.

Junior Jared Bettcher looks to be a leader this year after he finishes up play at the U.S. Amateur Championship, which, if he places first or second, would land him a spot in the Masters and the U.S. Open, among other tournaments.

Overall, Terry said he is looking forward to this season, and that if each individual can handle their own business, they will have success.

“There’s going to be team’s out there that are going to be working hard,” Terry said. “They all want the same thing that we do. The question will be how bad our team wants it personally. And I feel like our guys want it bad.”