Golf Team Battles Elements at SLU Invitational

Canton, NY ~  The Paul Smith's College Golf Team traveled to Canton, NY over the weekend to compete in the SLU Invitational.  Up against both tough competition and rough weather, the Bobcats did what they could to hold their own against a packed field.

Leading the way again was Nick Porreca (Queensbury, NY) who has been the low scorer for the Bobcats over the last two events, shooting a 86 on Saturday and a 93 on Sunday.  Right behind him was Owen Kime (Waterloo, NY) (86,96), followed by Sam Reynolds (Potsdam, NY) (92, 93) and Zach Hale (East Burke, VT) (104,110).  Sophomore Gabe Clark (Ogdensburg, NY) rounded out the scoring with 99 and 109, respectively.  

The course was devilish both days, but Sunday's rain and wind was especially difficult for everyone.

"Saturday everyone played pretty well," said Kime.  "But Sunday everyone had to adjust for strong winds and a wet course in the morning that affected the putting greens.  Then as the day went on the greens became glass and were very tough," he recalled.

Teams consisted of players from NCAA schools St. Lawrence University, St. John Fisher, Clarkson, Hobart, Nazareth, Union, SUNY Oswego, and SUNY Canton.

"I thought it was a good opportunity to be a part of that level of golf," said Clark, speaking about the NCAA-caliber competition.  "Even though we didn't win it was a really cool experience."

Next weekend the team will travel to Concord, NH, where they will compete in their second conference meet, which will be held at Beaver Meadows Country Club and hosted by NHTI.

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At Paul Smith's College, it's about the experience. As the only four-year institution of higher education located in the Adirondack Park in upstate New York, Paul Smith's provides real-world, hands-on learning in fields such as business and hospitality, culinary management, forestry, environmental sciences, and natural resources. We can draw on industries and resources available in our backyard while preparing students for successful careers anywhere. Our community of resourceful, enterprising, supportive, and adventurous individuals collectively provides experiential education, student support in the classroom and beyond, and meaningful opportunities for our alumni. We pride ourselves on research and advocacy on issues that improve our planet and the lives of the people who inhabit it. Learn more at www.paulsmiths.edu.