Heading into the second tournament of the spring season, Florida men’s golf coach Buddy Alexander is tempering his expectations for his young team.
“Somebody asked me in August what my expectations were this year, and I told them … that we would have plenty of diaper rash,” Alexander said. “I’ve got two freshmen that have played every tournament ... (I’ve) only had one senior play in the top five in any event this year.”
Although Florida boasts a talented roster, there are few veterans who have consistently played in tournaments this season. It’s simple — the Gators are young.
Two freshmen, Ryan Orr and Victor Tarnstrom, have competed in every tournament for Florida. In the four fall competitions, Orr shot an average of 74.92. Tarnstrom was not far behind, averaging 75.83 strokes.
When asked about his decision to start two rookies in the Sea Best Invitational last week, Alexander simply stated Orr and Tarnstrom were among his best players. But the pair struggled during the two-day competition, tying each other for 41st place with a shared score of 233 (+17).
“We’ve had some growing pains,” Alexander said. “(We) haven’t quite turned the corner, haven’t quite grasped what we’re trying to get them to understand about how to play golf.”
Still, the team’s youth has not dispelled his hopes. Alexander said he thinks that something will click for his players to help boost their confidence and play.
“Confidence can still evolve and get to rolling downhill and the next thing you know, a mediocre team can become a good one,” he said. “Young teams have that ability more so than older ones, and young players have the ability to improve more quickly than older guys.”
Alexander believes his team will turn that corner one way or another.
“I’m optimistic, as all coaches are,” he said. “You have to be.”
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