The Spring is Upon Us!

Dear Friends of Stanford Men's Golf:

I can't believe it but the spring season is already heating up! We have recently returned from our first event of the spring in Hawaii with the trophy in hand and looking forward to our next event hosted by the Trojans of USC in Westlake Village at North Ranch C.C.. Time flies when you are having fun!

The trip to the Big Island of Hawaii was as memorable as always. Rob Grube and Sihwan Kim played some stellar golf to lead us to victory. The other guys on the trip also played solidly which is the key in team golf and all of our hard off-season work paid off. Winning by three shots, it was fun to hold off a few formidable teams in USC and ASU. Both squads took their best shot in the final round but we were able to keep the charge at bay. The second round was one of the best team rounds I have ever been apart of as coach or player. Sihwan Kim's 63 and the team shooting -17 was a huge key to our success. Round two was actually the third lowest team round in the history of the program. Fun to make history and more importantly it was a glimpse into how much firepower this team has when everyone contributes. I would look for big things from Rob and Sihwan as the spring plays out.

One thing worth noting about the week was the absence of All-American Junior Joe Bramlett. Joe has been in the line-up for every event since he has been here so to not have him was really felt by all. Suffering from a partially torn ligament in his wrist after an accidental fall he was unable to make the trip. The prognosis is good and he should be back at it soon but we have been very cautious as wrist injuries can be touchy! Joe is such a big part of this team and such a competitor that I am sure he will be back in the rotation soon.

Another fun outing was our recent trip to Monterey to play a one day dual match against ASU at the famed Cypress Point Club on February 15th. We lucked out with some fantastic weather and good scoring. We were able to beat the Sun Devils four matches to two to retain the third annual Peninsula Cup. To be able to play to play a head to head match against a great team in ASU on one of the best courses in the world was a real treat for all and a memory that will last a long time. Thanks to Mr. Sandy Tatum for his help in making the day possible.

The guys have a few weeks now before heading to USC's event. The time will be spent working on their games and qualifying for USC. We are always preparing for what lies ahead. I think this team has the ability to really surprise some people. I have read about the "championship hangover" and I just don't buy it. With a young team it cannot be forced and results will come. By June, we will be ready to defend our title with vigor and the guys deserve success because they have been working their butts off. It has been fun to be a part of it and we appreciate everyone's support. Thanks to all and Go Cardinal!