Carlton shines in 'M' debut

By Naweed Sikora

For the Daily

After his win at the Inverness Intercollegiate Invitational last week, Michigan senior Scott Hayes looked to continue his magnificent play this weekend at the Wolverine North Invitational.

However, all eyes were on a different Scott after Saturday's morning round. Michigan redshirt freshman Scott Carlton made his college debut this weekend.

Carlton impressed many players and coaches by shooting a 69 in his Saturday morning round. Carlton went on to shoot scores of 76 and 73 in his next two rounds, and he finished the tournament with a score of 218.

"This was my first varsity tournament," Carlton said. "I thought I would be nervous, and I was, but I held it together pretty well. I did everything good, but not great."

Michigan Coach Jim Carras was particularly impressed with Carlton's play.

"I am really excited with Scott's play today," Carras said.

"I feel he is settling in and getting comfortable now, and he is here to stay."

Carlton's individual score of 218 was good enough for a share of seventh place overall. His score was also the best overall for the Michigan golfers.

Both Hayes and Andrew Chapman finished with scores of 221, three back of Carlton.

Carlton attended Brighton High School, where he was the No. 1 player for two years. Last year, lack of playing time and inexperience made it difficult for him to compete. For Carlton, this past summer was a struggle, but a valuable learning experience.

"It was a tough summer," Carlton said. "Even though I didn't win, I gained a lot of experience from the tournaments. I learned a lot from just playing."

This coming weekend, the Wolverines will travel to Ilinois to participate in the Northern Intercollegiate at the Stone Creek Golf Club. Carras said Carlton will be making the trip to Illinois.

Despite his success this weekend, Carlton is not overconfident about his spot.

"I'm just taking this season one tournament at a time," Carlton said.

"Every week, I have to go out there and earn my spot because nothing is set. I just have to keep playing my game."