While many athletes are saddened by the harsh realities of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is good news on the horizon for some sports. St. Lawrence’s men’s and women’s golf teams had their first scrimmage this week, following social distancing guidelines.
The scrimmage, or ‘scramble,’ occurred on the Oliver D. Appleton Golf Course on Sunday, September 27 at 11 a.m. The men’s team played against Paul Smith’s College, Clarkson University and SUNY Potsdam. The women’s team scrimmaged internally, but is expected to begin scrimmaging with SUNY Canton’s team in upcoming weeks.
Tom Egbers ’17, captain of St. Lawrence’s men’s golf team was happy about the return to the course. “It felt very different at first, but felt normal once we got playing,” Egbers said. “Just shows you how nice it is to be back out there with the team.”
The event was approved by St. Lawrence University’s Athletics department. While it wasn’t an official game, the scrimmage was a good adjustment that allowed athletes a chance to play the sport again. “Golf is a great game during COVID-19 because of the natural ability it has to provide for social distancing measures,” Olivia Kremer ’21 said.
The women’s team played nine holes on the course during the scrimmage. “It was good for the first-year players to get a scrimmage under their belts and feel more comfortable on the course,” Kremer added. The women’s team paired up with each other for the scramble, with the farthest ball hit being used as the starting location for the next shot. “I think we definitely got tighter as a group being able to play together and work together to get one score,” Indie Talbot ’24 said. “It was a good day to get closer as a team.”
Jack Gray ’23 had missed the competition that the sport brings. “It was great to be back out there and fun to compete again with the guys on the team.” The men’s team ended up playing eighteen holes in their scramble against Paul Smith’s College, Clarkson University and SUNY Potsdam.
The weather worked in the golf teams’ favor. Sunday was a hot, sunny day but with a good breeze. With the leaves changing, the fairways are laden with color on the golf course.
While the athletes were sad that they couldn’t play official games, they made the best of the situation. “It was so great to be out and be able to play with the girls. The scramble dynamic made for a lot of fun teamwork, especially when our foursome birdied hole number four,” Sydney Giacin ’21 said.
Both teams miss playing in NCAA Division III matches and tournaments. NCAA golf has been shut down since March of 2020 across the country due to the COVID -19 crisis.
This Saturday, October 2, the women’s team will be scrimmaging with SUNY Canton on their home course at Partridge Run. “I’m excited to get back out there after a full week of rain,” Kremer said. “We aren’t able to get into the indoor facility due to current COVID-19 guidelines
from the Athletics Department, so this Saturday is the light at the end of the tunnel.”
Maggie Munschauer ’22 is the only returning golfer on the women’s team, and has played since her freshman year. Both teams have athletes assigned Spring/Summer and look forward to welcoming them back next semester, but will be sad to see others leave.