Last season the Ducks sought to make a statement at the Pacific-10 Championships in Palm Desert, Calif. Instead, the team finished 10th, 80 shots behind first place UCLA. Now, with last season in the rear view, the Ducks and new coach Casey Martin look to start the season strong at the Husky Invitational today and Tuesday in Auburn, Washington.
One of the highlights of the off-season for the men’s golf program was the hiring of Martin, a former PGA Tour golfer, who looks to fill the void following former coach Steve Nosler’s resignation last season. Nosler spent 14 seasons with the Ducks, but since Martin’s hire, the attitude surrounding the team has become extremely positive.
“They are excited to play for him,” former Oregon golfer Matt Amen said. “Seems like the guys are more upbeat, and I think people will be a little bit more accountable for their games.”
Martin’s presence goes beyond just being a coach. He provides grit, which inspires confidence in his players.
“They were pretty used to doing poorly,” Amen said. “It was kind of standard.
“The standard changed with Casey coming in and coaching.”
In providing a tour-like attitude, as senior golfer Matt Ma says, Martin has created a never-say-die attitude.
“He’s brought a younger outlook to the team,” Ma said. “Casey’s young, he’s 33. Casey brings what he’s dealt with in his life and is an example of greatness when he’s had things stacked against him. He shows us how good we can be.”
The Ducks look to get off on the right foot this year, and they’ll get that chance at the same place – Auburn, Washington – where they won the Washington National Winter Championship last season. At that tournament, Oregon edged out Washington State by seven strokes, and beat a Washington team that placed second at the Pac-10 Championships.
Providing a spark is all Ma feels the Ducks need to ignite a winning year.
“There has been a lot of down talk toward our game because of last year,” Ma said. “We’re trying to get out of that, and start the season off strong. If one of the guys head out there plays well, then our guys will feed off that.”
The Ducks have an experienced team taking the links this season. The absence of graduated seniors Gregg LaVoie, Justin St. Clair and Chris Dukeminier will be missed, but the team has revived focus and diligence with the presence of a professional golfer as its leader.
“He has us accountable for our short games,” Ma said. “You got to put in the time and work in on the short game. If we do that, in the end, everything will be OK.”
The team is excited about Martin providing direction and prestige. When he played at Stanford, Martin was part of a national championship team with Tiger Woods.
“The sky is the limit for the team,” Ma said. “You can never be perfect. A couple of shots here and there, multiplied by five guys makes it tough.”
The optimism surrounding a talented Oregon team will take center stage at the Washington National Golf Course. The question is, how will this team differentiate itself from last year’s team?