Michigan linksters rally to finish third in Illinois

By Mike Bloom

For The Daily

The Sunday morning dew coated the greens of Stone Creek Golf Club in Urbana, Ill., as the Michigan men's golf team stared a 14-stroke deficit in the eye.

Searching for their first tournament win this year, the Wolverines trailed 12 of 18 teams in the Northern Intercollegiate heading into the second day of play. The team's goal of a top-five finish was out of reach and they now hoped to enter the top 10.

At the top of coach Jim Carras's lineup were fifth-year senior Scott Hayes and redshirt freshman Scott Carlton. Hayes and Carlton were the top two Michigan finishers last weekend at the Wolverines' North Invitational.

Juniors Andy Matthews and Andrew Chapman steadied the middle of the pack while the only new face appeared in the No. 5 spot.

Searching for an answer to the team's frequent slow start in tournaments, Carras turned to quiet and composed freshman David Nichols.

In the previous week, Carlton made his collegiate debut and fired an opening round of 69.

It was now Nichols' turn to display his talents and he did not disappoint. Topping teammates Matthews and Carlton by four strokes, he shot a first-round team-best 73 and tied for 15th amongst the field.

"He played extraordinary," said Carras, referring to Nichols's performance. Unfortunately, the coach did not have such kind words for his teammates, who failed to shake off their Saturday struggles.

Fifth year senior and team leader Hayes stumbled home with a team-low six over par. All Carras said on Hayes' falter was, "I certainly don't expect Hayes to shoot a 78."

That night Carras refused to make any drastic changes saying, "I don't give pep talks. Golf is a game where you don't go out and change your strategy." He said he believed it was only a matter of time before his team clicked and played up to their ability.

When the sun rose over the first tee on Sunday morning, the coach's words proved true. The Wolverines came out flying, lead by Matthews's unconscionable score of 68. The team's second-round total of 294 was second only to Iowa.

With one round to go, the team's original goal of a top-five finish danced in their heads, but it would require another valiant effort by all five players.

As if on command, the sizzling Wolverines ate up the field and fired another round that was second-best overall. Their total of 298 shot the team to an unexpected third-place finish.

With his team finally coming together, Carras said he sees Sunday's remarkable comeback as a glimpse of things to come.