Texas is a common place for spring breakers: warm weather, beaches and golf.
Yes, you read that right. Golf.
While other students were on their spring breaks enjoying the sun, the Bradley men’s and women’s golf teams were in Dallas doing what they do best: competing on the links.
Over break, the men’s squad traveled to play at the Bob Sitton Invitational in Dallas. Although the weekend did not end well for the men’s team, which finished 15th overall out of 17, there was definitely something to talk about over the three-day tournament.
Freshman Drake Bushong was the lone star in the Lone Star State for the Braves, which included him sinking his first ever competition hole-in-one. Bushong hit the ace on the par-3, 153-yard 17th hole during the first day of competition.
Bushong was not hesitant in admitting he didn’t even see it go in.
“I had no clue I made it,” Bushong said. “It was an awesome feeling hitting it in competition because I have never done it before.”
In the final round of the tournament, Bushong was in contention throughout the day, but ended up one shot away from the lead and tied for second place, shooting a 215.
“I struck the ball really well, but still need to improve my accuracy,” Bushong said. “I struggled putting on the last 3 holes, and that’s what hurt me. I knew that winning the tournament was right there for me, but it provided a great learning experience for future tournaments.”
For the women’s team, it’s Texas spring break trip was more successful. Led by senior Danielle Lemek, the women shot their way into the middle of the pack finishing 10th at the Oral Roberts/Stephen F. Austin Spring Break Invitational. The team started the final round tied for 13th but had an impressive day shooting 299, which propelled them up three spots as they finished 10th overall out of 20 teams.
However, the women’s week was not over until March 16, they played in the one-day Cardinal Challenge in Dallas. As a team, the Braves shot an impressive 311 and took first place. This win marked the first team title since April 2013.
Women’s coach Mary Swanson said she was pleased with her team’s ability to compete at the Oral Roberts/Stephen F. Austin Invitational and the team’s win at the Cardinal Challenge, but she is looking forward to coming back to the Midwest.
“The transition back to the Midwest conditions is different than what we saw in Texas,” Swanson said. “We need to make sure our game is compatible against the teams in the Midwest, especially for conference.”
The women host the Bradley Invitational at WeaverRidge Golf Club on Saturday, April 2, and Sunday, April 3.
