On Monday, the Jeffs traveled to McGregor Links at Skidmore College for the 15th Annual Joseph C. Palamountain, Jr. Invitational Golf Tournament. The Jeffs shot a 326, led by Jude Volek '03 with a score of 78.
There were many other standout performances. Steve Collins '03, who shot his best round of the season with a score of 81, ended in a seven-way tie for 25th place. Captain Mike Blaisdell '02 followed close behind with a score of 83 (36th place). Mark Still '01 finished in 39th (84) and Todd Ballaban '03 placed 53rd (88).
Skidmore, ranked fourth nationally, shot a record score of 291 to win the 13-team event by 13 strokes over Hamilton College.
Although they played fairly well, the Jeffs were not completely satisfied. "The course is really easy, and we definitely feel like we could have done better," said Volek. "But, a lot of us are on the brink of playing much better."
The men started their season off at the 28th Annual Lou Flumere Massachusetts Intercollegiate Golf Championships hosted by Bentley College.
Amherst had a final combined score of 328, eight shots short of winner Boston College. Blaisdell and Still tied in 18th place with scores of 80. Volek followed in 26th with 82, while Ballaban took 53rd with 86.
The Jeffs will next play this Saturday at the District I Shootout, hosted by Williams College. Then, next Wednesday, Amherst will host the Little III's for the first time in four years.