Adam MacDonald
armacdonald@valdosta.edu

History has a way of repeating itself and the game of golf in no exception. The Blazers have historically struggled in their home tournament, the Southeastern Collegiate at Kinderlou Forest, and Tuesday’s final round once again put the Blazers in the middle of the pack on their home turf.

After firing a 304 in the first round and a 299 in the second round, the Blazers were in respectable position going into the final round, but Tuesday’s score of 310 resulted in the Blazers finishing 10th out of 19.

“I don’t like the word disappointment, but I was upset with the way we played [Tuesday]. It just wasn’t a good day,” Coach Jared Purvis said. “On your home turf you should finish better than 10th.”

West Florida won the tournament, finishing 22 shots ahead of second place Lynn University.

Despite finishing 10th, VSU did finish better than GSC rivals North Alabama (11th), West Georgia (14th) and Delta State (19th) which bolds well because the next tournament for the Blazers is the GSC Championship. The tournament will be April 20-21 in Hot Springs, Ark.

“We just have to keep focused and work on a game plan,” said Purvis when commenting on the upcoming GSC Championship. “The main thing is working on our consistency. Until [Tuesday] our last five rounds were acceptable.”

If VSU wins the GSC Championship, it automatically qualifies to play in the eight- team region tournament. If not, VSU’s fate is in the hands of the region committee who will decide which six at-large schools will be invited the play in the region tournament. The GSC and Sunshine State champions are automatic bids.