Hoosiers tie for top spot in weekend tournament

The men’s golf team started its spring season off with a win this weekend in Guadalajara, Mexico at the Club de Golf Santa Anita Classic two-day tournament. The men tied Houston after three rounds, shooting a combined total of 896 (305-287-304).\n“It was a little disappointing,” coach Mike Mayer said of the tie. “I thought we could’ve played a little better.”\nSophomore Jorge Campillo led the Hoosiers on the 54-hole course with a tie for first place, shooting a total of 214 (73-68-73). Following Campillo for the Hoosiers was sophomore Seth Brandon, who finished 10th overall with a score of 225 (76-75-74). Also placing in the top 25 were junior Santiago Quirarte in 17th, totaling 227 (78-71-78) and sophomore Drew Allenspach, tying for 23rd, with a sum 230 (78-73-79). \nThe team struggled on Sunday morning, leading to a disappointing first round, but drastically improved in the second round, Mayer said. \n“Our second round was very, very strong for this early in the season,” he said. \nDespite the team’s win, Mayer said the men still have a lot to work before the next tournament, which is not until March 18. The men struggled with their short game, but said they were not surprised as there has been nowhere to practice putting lately due to all the snow. Mayer also said the team needs to work on is its management on the course with hitting difficult shots, as well as improving its game on the green.\n“I finished 10th overall on a fairly tricky golf course with a lot of hazards and problems, but I still need to sharpen up and focus before facing better teams,” Brandon said.\nWhile the weather was a nice change of pace for most of the players, Quirarte, a native of Queretaro, Mexico, said it was nice to be home. The course, which was newly redesigned from last year’s course, is just 3 1/2 hours from Quirarte’s hometown.\n“My parents and grandparents came here, so it was nice. And a couple friends came here so it was nice to see them, I was excited,” Quirarte said.\nEven with a solid win under the team’s belt, the men still have a lot to work on individually for their next match.\n“I need to work on my putting. My spin was really off,” Quirarte said.\nMayer acknowledged that the team was physically one of the strongest teams present at the tournament, which helped with its success.\n“It gets us off to a good start,” Mayer said. “It boosts our confidence and lets us know we can play with these teams and beat these teams.”