Golf team gets head start in preparation for spring season

    The Maryville College golf team is looking forward to a great season on and off the golf course for the 2015-2016 campaign.With many key returners and some new additions to the team, there is still plenty to be excited about for this year’s Scots linksmen.

    The leaders this season are senior Joel Thornton and junior Nik Kalolo. Thornton, who is the only returning senior, is recovering from a broken foot which will sideline him for an extended period of time.

“Joel has been the most consistent golfer for the past two years and his presence on the course will be missed while he is injured.” Said head coach Ron Waters.

While being out, Thornton will mentor the team and display his leadership skills to the other Scots golfers to help guide them to success.

    Kalolo  will be taking on leadership in Thornton’s absence.

“We will be counting on Nik a lot this year especially while Joel is gone.” said Waters.

       The Scots linksmen have been preparing during the off-season by playing tournament competition to help improve their mental and physical skills to present a challenge for their conference rivals. The Scots finished 10 of 18 in the Tom Kinder Invitational in Harrisonburg, VA on Sept. 13. They will also play in multiple invitations this October including the Oglethorp Royal Lakes Invitation Oct. 5 and Oct. 6.

    Mental toughness should not be an issue for the Scots golfers as the team achieved above a 3.0 GPA last season, which was one of only 34 NCAA Division III programs to do so. Thornton was named to the All-American scholars’ team for the 2015 season.

“I am very proud of the team for achieving this high honor” stated Coach Waters.