June 15, 2004
EVANSTON, Ill. -- With two events left in Northwestern's 2003-04 season, it appeared the Wildcats were a pair of solid finishes away from making an eighth straight NCAA regional appearance. Northwestern had just finished in the top third of its third consecutive tournament and was ranked 40th in the Golfweek/Sagarin index. In addition, the Wildcats were ranked among the top teams in the Midwest District.
But then the month of May hit and the Wildcats posted a 10th-place showing (out of 14 teams) at Michigan State's Bruce Fossum Invitational and a seventh-place finish at the Big Ten Championships, while facing several district foes in both events. As a result, the Wildcats did not make the NCAA cut.
"In the spring, we never got any momentum or confidence," said NU Head Coach Pat Goss. "I felt we were always that one great round from turning the corner and playing to our ability."
Although the Wildcats came up short in their NCAA quest, senior Tom Johnson (Sacramento, Calif./Del Campo) earned an at-large invite to the NCAA Central Regional Championships. His play at the Regional seemed to mirror that of the Wildcats' season: a strong start, but a tough finish. Johnson fired rounds of 72, 76 and 85 and finished 66th overall. His final-round 85 was the worst 18-hole score of his collegiate career.
"It was a shame that Tom had to finish that way, but you must look at his entire career to appreciate his contributions to our golf program -- and there were many," says Goss.
Johnson, who was named to the Ping All-Midwest Region team for the fourth straight year, closed his career in second place on Northwestern's all-time stroke average list with a mark of 72.79. During his career, he recorded 20 top-10 finishes and he won the 2002 Windon Memorial Classic title.
If Northwestern were to name a most improved performer this year, the honor would go to junior Dillon Dougherty (Woodland, Calif./Woodland) who nearly finished the season as NU's leader in stroke average. Dougherty finished the year with an 11th-place effort at the Robert Kepler, a 13th-place finish at the Fossum Invitational and then a 10th-place performance at the Big Ten Championships. His final average was 73.97, just four one-hundreths behind Johnson.
"I was really encouraged by Dillon's play," said Goss. "He proved to be a very consistent competitor who will have an opportunity to have a great year next season. Dillon will be a great leader for us next year, both in the consistency of his play and his ability to get the most out of his rounds. His biggest strength is that he never leaves any shots out on the course."
Freshman David Merkow (Hartland, Wis./Arrowhead Union) also had a strong spring, posting a 75.78 average in his rookie season. His top finish -- 16th place -- came in his first tournament as a member of NU's starting unit.
"I was impressed with David's game," said Goss. "He improved throughout the year and had a solid spring. I expect him to be a solid player in our lineup next season."
Besides Johnson, NU said farewell to a couple other seniors: Casey Strunk (Phoenix, Ariz./Thunderbird) and T.C. Ford (Covington, La./Mandeville). Strunk, who was unable to duplicate his tremendous fall season, finished third in team average with a 74.73 mark. Ford was fifth at 76.31.
"I am excited for our program to head to a new generation," said Goss. "But we also have to remember our seniors and their contributions -- a Big Ten title in 2001 and three NCAA Regional appearances. They will be missed."
Some other players who will factor in next year's mix include sophomore Bryson Young (Reno, Nev./Galena), freshman Chris Wilson (Dublin, Ohio/Dublin Coffman) and sophomore Scott Weber (Lake Forest, Ill./Lake Forest).
"Chris got some valuable experience this year and will have a good opportunity to be a mainstay in next year's lineup," said Goss. "I am also excited by how much Scott has improved. He could make a big jump next season."
With the addition of three incoming players, five of Goss' eight team members will either be freshmen or sophomores next year. Says Goss: "We have a strong young nucleus that I am very confident in."
If that young talent matures quickly, then the Wildcats' absence from the postseason could just be a short-term one.