Golf is an individual sport, just the golfer and their clubs battling the course. The golfer wins and loses on their own ability and effort. This is true in its basic form, But when it comes to high school and college golf, golf becomes the ultimate team sport, contributions from all your teammates on the course determine success or failure. For example, the number one golfer on the team could go out and shoot a 65 but if the other golfers on the team are in the 90's, the team is going nowhere.

Regarding Bridgeport Indians golf, this team aspect will be the key to success. They have two of the best golfers in the state in Alex Randolph and Audrey Kerr (Audrey, competing against the boys, is at the top of all girl golfers in the state), who consistently shoot scores in the 30's for nine holes or in the 70's for eighteen. With your top two scoring like that it puts you in the conversation for a Big 10 title, a regional title, and even a state title.

When questioned what the team needs to achieve those lofty goals, Coach Chris Kerr said, "We know very well what it takes, and that's a third ball". Understand what he's saying, when you compete for the Big 10 title, you have six of your golfers play and the lowest four of the six scores are counted. At the Regional level, only four of your golfers play and the three lowest scores are counted. Same with the WV State Tournament, only four of your golfers play and the three lowest scores are counted. With two outstanding golfers, the Bridgeport Indians have a chance if they can develop that third low scorer.

In discussing his golfers vying for the third and fourth slots, Coach Kerr said, "We feel very comfortable where Partick Aucremanne is at right now and Luke Rohrig". Speaking of Rohrig, Kerr said, "It's the first time he has come out for golf and he got serious with it over (this past) summer. He's a natural athlete, but he's still learning the challenge of playing competitive golf".

Both Aucremanne and Rohrig are showing flashes, Rohrig shot a 39 at Green Hills in a dual match and Aucremanne shot an 82 in the 18 hole Marion County Invitational. His 82, combined with Randolph's 73 and Audrey Kerr's 78 put them one shot out of the title. There are several players close behind competing for those four spots at regionals and states and the six spots to play for a Big 10 title that have shot in the low 40's. "In the five to seven spots the notable is Anthony Julian, who took a big leap in the last couple weeks. Dominic Julian, Nate Morrow, and Jack Nicewarner are all right there for that six, seven spot.

As much as the team is competing against other schools, they are competing against each other to be one of the six that get to play for the Big 10 title on September 28th, and the four that will play in regionals October 5th, and compete for the state title on October 12th and 13th. Bridgeport golfers have another month to make their case to be in the field for the Big 10 Title, Regionals, and States.

The hope is that this competition pressure for playing spots will result in the third ball Coach Kerr is looking for to put the team over the top.

Doug Marquette is a guest blogger and a member of the All Sports Booster Board.