Sports Feature: Golf by: Lauren Sincerney

The Hardin-Simmons University (HSU) golf teams have had a great season thus far.

They play year-round with the fall season beginning in September and running to the end of October, and the spring season beginning in February lasts until the end of April. “We play tournaments that either have a total of two rounds or three rounds,” Jordan Burchette, assistant golf coach/compliance, said. “Each round is 18 holes. Most of our tournaments are played on Monday and Tuesdays starting around 8 or 9 a.m.” 

The HSU golf teams get to compete with many different schools and teams during their regular seasons. They play in the American Southwest Conference (ASC). The teams in the conference are East Texas Baptist, Howard Payne, Mary-Hardin Baylor, LeTourneau and UC Santa Cruz (women only). They also play many teams in the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference. The teams in that conference are Concordia, Shreiner, Texas Lutheran, Southwestern, Trinity, Centenary and St. Thomas. 

While the golf teams are busy playing in tournaments and games, they are also busy making bonds to last a lifetime. The team members spend most of the year working with each other and spending time with each other. There are true friendships made with the bond that true teammates have. 

“The bond that the athletes build with each other is just like a family,” Burchette said. “Since we are always playing, the athletes get really close to one another and become just like a family. They succeed together, struggle together and challenge each other. More often than not, when you see one player, you usually see at least three of them.”

“The interesting thing about golf is it is both an individual and team sport,” Burchette said. “Each person is in charge of their game when we play. But each person is playing for something greater than themselves, they are playing for the team, aka their teammates. They want to play their best for the team.” 

The current golf season will last until the end of April with many tournaments and games to come. Students of HSU should go and support the golf team in their efforts to win their various tournaments.