Jason Scherr

September 24, 2003

The Emory golf team kicked off the season at Pine Isles in Lake Lanier. We played a great resort course with the exception of some unhealed greens (most southern courses aerate their greens this time of year).

There were great scenic views of Lake Lanier and the area's many small, isolated islands. In particular, the fifth hole offered great views as it curled around the lake. Tons of weekend partiers were hanging out in boats in the water inlet on this par-five hole so you pretty much hit over the boats into the fairway. That was really cool. Especially, when they have P.I.M.P. blasting in the background while you are trying to carry 260 yards of water.

We shot 299 the first round and followed it up with a rain-shortened, nine-hole round of 149. That was good enough for second place behind Oglethorpe. But, they only got us by four shots on their home course.

I finished tied for first and Mike Lebow and Chris Clark tied for fifth. Perhaps the greatest story, though, was Tim Hamm's. After finishing last year with utmost disheartening rounds, he managed rounds of 75 and 38 in the first tournament of this season.

That's quite an improvement Tim's debacles last year. He holds the largest comeback in Emory history from one round to the next. Maybe not the best record to hold, but his turnaround should be revered for its worth. This summer, Tim was the quintessence of determination and hard work. He is testament to the cliche that "Hard work pays off."

So I say congratulations to Tim. He should be an inspiration to all golfers.

We have a great team this season. We are deeper than Emory's golf team has ever been. Our great new freshmen give promise to the future.

But now is the time for the juniors and the seniors. So I challenge you, juniors and seniors, to play the best golf of your lives. Because this is the last chance that we'll have.

Jason Scherr is a senior from Lubbock, Texas. He would love to answer e-mail questions from Emory recruits and fans.