Issue date: 9/17/09 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Alestle file photo

Going into their tournament Monday, the SIUE men's golf program is banking on experienced veterans and talented newcomers to help them compete at a high level this season.

Junior Neal McCarty is the front-runner for the No. 1 spot this year, with Matt Lehl, Tom Callahan, Alex Knoll and Nick Nuzzo also rounding out an experienced line-up for Head Coach Kyle Viehl.

"Neal's a great player, and he worked hard in the off-season to get where he is today. Hopefully his success during the summer carries over for us," Viehl said.

On Monday, McCarty shot an opening round of 72, placing him in the top 10 at the Wasioto Winds Fall Kickoff, hosted by Morehead State University, in Morehead, Ky.

As a team, SIUE stood in eighth place overall, after first round action.

The second round did not go so well for the Cougars, as both McCarty and the rest of the squad fell.

McCarty shot a 74, dropping him to 17th place, while the combined team score raised to 600, dropping them to 10th place overall. John A. Logan Community College led after the second round with a team score of 578.

McCarty again shot a 74 in the third round, securing himself 16th place individually amongst all competitors. SIUE as a whole finished in 10th place, with scores of 300-300-298. Eastern Kentucky University's Zach Butler placed first with a 10-under par performance.

"Nobody really played like they were capable of this week. We're definitely struggling a little on everything," Viehl said. "The scores looked OK, but after seeing what teams were actually in this tournament, they should realize that they can play at a much higher level than some of the teams that beat us."

The team did play better during the final 18 holes, where they placed sixth out of the 12 team field.

John A. Logan Community College continued their dominance all afternoon, winning the tournament, shooting 866 as a team overall.

The Cougars have a long break before they tee off again at the Murray State Invitational, in Murray, Ky.

McCarty won the event last year, shooting the lowest round of any golfer last season with a score of 65. That round tied SIUE Athletics Hall of Famer Les Agne for the lowest round in SIUE history.

"Hopefully Neal and the rest of our guys will play much better during the next tournament," Viehl said. "We're working everyday to get better and hopefully the positive results will come our way."

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