Sept. 17, 2001

The Samford University Men's Golf Team opens its fall schedule at the 2001 Gulf Coast Collegiate Classic at the Bridges in Bay St. Louis, Miss., Sept. 17-18.

Nicholls State University hosts the 36-hole event.

Senior Russell Kelly will lead the Bulldogs this season, returning from what Coach Mark Ware feels was a bit of an off year for him. Kelly finished strong in 2001 with a 10th place finish at the TAAC Championship. Fellow senior Mike Clements played well over the summer, qualifying as local United States Amateur. His experience and work ethic will provide a nice complement to the duo's leadership.

Samford's junior class reestablished itself last season as contenders to remain in the team's Top-5, as Seth Mobley, Stephen Twelkemeier and Brax Watkins showed they can be regular contributors as well. All three have played well over the summer, and Ware feels that with his length, Watkins could be primed for a breakout season.

Last season's top player in stroke average, sophomore Andy McRae is expected once again to be a top contributor. McRae won a tournament last season and also earned honors off the course from Samford's School of Business.

As for Ware's freshmen, two incoming players could challenge for spots right away. Bradley Farmer (Hermitage, Tn) had a solid summer, recording Top 20 finishes including one in the prestigious Future Masters Tournament in Dothan, Ala. David Werner (Peachtree City, Ga.) as well comes from a golfing family and should push each upperclassmen for a spot.