FSU golf ready to swing into the fall season
Florida State’s athletics schedule just got a lot busier. The men’s golf team will kick off their fall season on Sept. 17 and the women will begin on Sept. 26.
The FSU men’s players are looking for a strong start after a tough loss against Pepperdine in the quarterfinals of the NCAA championship last season. The roster is different from last year, but the potential of the Seminoles is still very much prevalent.
The Seminoles are going to be without the best player in collegiate golf last season, John Pak. He won the 2021 Jack Nicklaus award, Ben Hogan award, and many others because of his dominant performance during last season with Florida State.
Although starters John Pak and Vincent Norman will no longer be on the course, FSU has several players returning that can be difference makers. Sophomores Brett Roberts, Frederik Kjettrup and redshirt sophomore Cole Anderson will all suit up for the Garnet and Gold once again. Along with them, the ’Noles added transfer Michael Sakane, who had a remarkable career while at Jacksonville University.
Last year, they were ranked No. 1 in the NCAA tournament and their season average was three under par.
This fall, the schedule not only includes challenging courses but tough matchups as well.
“Every year our scheduling objective is to not only play against the top players in the country on a weekly basis,” head coach Trey Jones said. “We want to play golf courses that will help our players develop and prepare the team for the National Championship and for professional golf.”
The team will participate in a total of 12 tournaments, including the ACC and NCAA championships, at the end of spring. They will begin play at the Fighting Illini Invitational. The men have plenty of talent but will have to play well enough on a consistent basis through each tournament to withstand their opponents.
On the other side of things, the women’s team is looking ahead to yet another great season under head coach Amy Bond, who is in her 12th season at FSU.
“Our schedule is really going to prepare our players for the ACC Championship, the NCAA Regionals and the NCAA Championship Finals,” Bond said.
Last season, the Seminoles were ranked No. 1. That is possible again this year since everyone on last year's roster has returned. All-American candidate seniors Amelia Williamson and Beatrice Wallin hope to lead their team to an NCAA championship this year.
The ’Noles begin their 12 tournament season, including championship tournaments at the Oklahoma Invitational. This tournament is one of the most competitive in the season. While playing for a win, they are also competing for a great cause. Proceeds from the tournament benefit the Toby Keith Foundation and the OK Kids Korral, supporting the fight against childhood cancer.
After the university revealed the Seminole Legacy Golf Course upgrades for last season, it is to no shock a match play tournament will occur here. Florida State will host two women’s tournaments, the Florida State Match Up and NCAA Tallahassee regional at that location.
“It’s incredibly exciting to host two of the premier events in college golf on your home course in the same year,” Bond said. “We are delighted for Florida State University to display its incredible course and facilities, as we host the best players and teams in college golf in Florida’s capital city.”
With well-rounded coaches and players on both teams, the FSU golf program will be fun to follow throughout the fall and spring.