Men's golf swings to put together a string of wins

By Jeb Singer

Daily Sports Writer

On their home course in Ann Arbor, Michigan golfers can never predict where snow or sunshine will emerge at any given hour. However, down in Huntington, W. Va. the weather is warm, and the players must continue to be on fire.

"Every tournament from here on out is extremely important," Michigan assistant coach Ed Klum said.

The next four tournaments can extend the season. Poor play will ensure that the group will not be going to the regional championships in Victoria, Texas or the NCAAs in Opelka, Ala.

The top six teams in District IV will qualify for these 24-team regional tournaments. This is an enormous goal because 18 teams from districts will go on to NCAAs in the last frontier. As of now, Michigan is like the last kid cut from the middle school basketball team - stuck in seventh place. But if the boys in maize and blue ride the success of their third-place finish in the Pottsboro, Tex. Dr. Pepper Intercollegiate, they might have a chance to see some polar bears.

"We beat all the teams in our district (at Pottsboro)," Klum said. "We have to beat the teams that are directly ahead of us. That's it only six teams will make it."

The Wolverines believe that they have what it takes and senior co-captain Michael Harris continues to provide the spark.

"Mike has played especially well all year long," Klum said. "He is playing well enough to carry us on his back."

While Klum was not suggesting that Harris has the back muscles to be a caddy, he did acknowledge the fact that Harris could continue playing after this year.

"There is no doubt in my mind that he has a chance to play pro golf," Klum said of Harris. "I don't think though that saying this is anything new. He obviously has the physical tools, but he also has the mental ones."

Harris is not alone at the top though - the team as a whole has the goals believing in their success.

"We feel that we have the ingredients. It all starts with Mike and Andy (Matthews)," Klum said.

Harris is used to this sort of responsibility and respect, he was the Big Ten champion last year, but this year it's time to lead the team back to the NCAAs for the first time since his freshman year in 1997.

"The hardest part is qualifying for the regional," Klum said. "Most of the teams we see in the upcoming tournaments are District IV teams."

And so could they, through the dog days of the season. Michigan's eyes are on the prize. Poor performances this weekend and in others could seal Michigan's fate.