Men's golf team opens fall season Monday in Alabama

The Eastern Florida State College men's golf team will open the fall season Monday at the Cross Creek Golf Course in Cullman, Alabama.

The Titans have six players returning from the team that placed 16th in the NJCAA Division I National Championship Tournament.

"My dream has always been to have guys that extra year because you get to see them a little more experienced and mature," Eastern Florida State College men's golf coach Jamie Howell said. "It is terrific to have that group all back and we have three very talented freshmen coming in. Talent wise I think we have a chance to be really good."

Sophomore Matt Gauntlett returns after being named a PING All-American in his freshman season. Gauntlett won the District 4 Championship individual title last season and is looking to be even better this season.

"My expectations are a lot higher after what happened last year," Gauntlett said. "I had a really good summer which has helped my confidence heading into the season. Last season the national tournament did not go the way we had hoped it would but if anything, it has given us more encouragement heading into this season."

Teammate Drew Lanier was also named to the all-district team last season and won the Titan Winter Invitational. Lanier is also encouraged about the level of golf this team can achieve.

"It's awesome, a bunch of familiar faces here and what is a little different this year is we all have a common goal and that is a national championship," Lanier said. "We know what we have to do and everyone is excited to get to work. We are going to try to get the season started on the right foot."

That begins with a tough challenge this week as the team will open the season at a place the program has never won.

"Everyone will be there which is good for our team to get to see everyone in the district early in the season, but Cross Creek is a place we have not won at in my time here. It is another one that has stuck in my craw a bit," Howell said. "There is a lot of elevation and a lot of hills and there is just no way to duplicate that, but they will be prepared." 

Pontus Torgner is also back for another season and after playing some events over the summer, is looking forward to getting back to playing for the Titans.

"It's great to get the opportunity to be back, we all came back for a reason and with everyone back and the addition of three players, it should be a great year for us," Torgner said. "I heard it is a great course, it will be fun and we are ready to get started and it will be great to play with a scorecard in my hand once again."

The two-day tournament begins Monday morning in Alabama. It will be the first of five events this fall for the men's golf team.