In the event experience does indeed make a difference from year to year, it would be safe to say expectations run high for the Tornado men’s golf team this season. Coach David Nelson returns eight lettermen from last year’s squad, including two time team MVP Myles Johnston (Scotland). Considered the most consistent player on the team, Johnston hopes to continue his outstanding play. Last season he posted the lowest stroke average as an individual and led the team in several statistical categories. 

 

“Myles has been a stable force on our team for two years now”, said Coach Nelson, “he’s very consistent and a strong contributor to the overall success of the team”.

 

Johnston was part of a strong freshmen class in 2005 that literally turned the program around overnight. That year they won a season high four tournaments, were nationally ranked (NAIA), and was named the top freshman class in the nation (NAIA) by Golfstat. 

 

“I anticipated great results from that freshman class”, said Coach Nelson, “they provided a strong blueprint for the future of our program”. 

 

Four of those six recruits are now entering their junior year at Brevard. Besides Johnston, Craig Galloway (Scotland) and David Martinez (Mexico) will anchor a strong BC lineup. Galloway was recently named team captain and posted the lowest round of the year (70) last season. Martinez on the other hand, who played in the top-five in every tournament last season, should continue to contribute significantly with his strong play.

 

Returning sophomores Thomas Bush (Dacula, GA) and Grant Carnie (Scotland) should continue to contribute excellent scores. Bush was named the team Most Improved Player last season, primarily based on his top-five finishes at two tournaments. Carnie also finished in the top-five at one event and ended the season with the third best stroke average on the team.

 

Other notable returning players are Brad Kerchner (senior), Alex Sundstrom (junior), and Ben Allweil (sophomore). Kerchner enters his final campaign as a Tornado golfer and hopes to duplicate his freshman season performance when he was named All-Conference (AAC) and All-Region (NAIA). Sundstrom and Allweil should improve and push the others for tournament play throughout the year.

 

This season the Tornado recruiting class boasts only one newcomer, Joe Holliday from Anyor, SC. Holliday brings with him an impressive high school resume. He’s won medalist honors in the South Carolina state tournament for private independent schools four years running.

 

The Tornado men open their fall season participating in the Kiawah Island Invitational on September 10-11. This event is hosted by four-time NCAA DII National Champions University of South Carolina Aiken. This season’s schedule reflects our preparation for transition to full membership into the NCAA DII and South Atlantic Conference in the fall of 2008.