My Best Round: John Roberts
Throughout the spring, members of the Bryant men's golf team will describe their best collegiate round. In our next installment, graduate student John Roberts (West Hartford, Conn.) recaps his second round at the Rhode Island Invitational during his junior season.
Name: John Roberts
Tournament: Rhode Island Invitational (April 18-19, 2016)
Course: Quidnessett Country Club (North Kingstown, R.I.)
Score: 69 (-3)
How was the weather that day?
The weather was cold and rainy. I remember heading out to the range at quarter after 7 and thinking it was the worst conditions I have played in for a long time. As the morning went on, the sun tried to creep out so at times it would warm up a little but never seemed to get over 50 degrees.
When did you know it was going to be a good day?
I knew it was going to be a good day as soon as I stepped on the range. I had been working on my game all throughout the winter and with the first few weeks of being able to play outside, I knew my game was close to being in top form. As I was warming up on the range, something seemed to just click and I knew my game was going to be good for the round.
What part of your game was working best?
The one thing I remember working really well for me was my putter. Being that I have played Quidnessett numerous times in my career, I felt really comfortable around the greens and seemed to be putting the ball in spots where I could really attack my putts. Throughout the entire round, I did not have a putt that I didn't think I was going to make and this confidence really helped me shoot a low round.
Was there something that's typically a strength of yours that wasn't working well that day? If so, how did you adapt?
I remember not being able to hit my driver as well as I normally do. I remember missing a lot of fairways and really having to grind to get back into position. With that said, I was able to manage this by having really good course knowledge and knowing the best spots to miss it. When I was missing, I was missing an in area that allowed me to save par and move onto the next hole.
Was there a hole during the round that was key to your success that day?
The 12th hole was pivotal for my success in this round. The 12th hole is a par-3 and I hit it off the tee, I was 3-under at the time and really wanted to keep my round going. This hole was extremely important to my success because I was able to take a drop, and get up and down for a bogey only giving back one shot on the hole. I was then able to make a birdie on the 14th hole, my second-to-last hole, in order to get it back to 3 under, which was what I finished at.
Any other thoughts on the round?
I remember seeing my coach numerous times throughout the match. He was telling us that we were in second place and would need some shots in the closing holes in order to win. I remember this really motivating me to want to do better and was the reason why I was really grinding out there for my team. Unfortunately we did not complete the comeback. However, I learned a lot about myself as a player because it showed me that I didn't get nervous in a time like this and actually was able to strive. It showed me promise for future tournaments that I may really have to grind for that I have the ability to do so.
The Bryant University men's golf team returns to action April 1-2 for the Coca-Cola Lehigh Valley Invitational at Silver Creek Country Club in Hellertown, Pennsylvania.
Follow Bryant University men's golf on Twitter for an inside look at the program.