Liberty Golf on the Rise

With the new season set to begin in September, the Liberty Flames men’s golf team will count on a roster of veterans to add to its list of 2012 accomplishments.

Seniors Niklas Lindstrom, Chase Marinell, Jacob Mast and Ian McConnell, who were all nominated to the Virginia Collegiate Golf Coaches Association all-state team, will be key elements of Liberty’s team this year. Additionally, junior Mathieu Fenasse, who recently won the 2013 Swiss Amateur Championship, will be a weapon for the Flames.

Last season, the Flames made their third consecutive NCAA Regional appearance. Additionally, Liberty was awarded Golf Coaches Association of America Team Academic Honors. The team was also one of nine Liberty teams to take home a Big South Sportsmanship Award.

Although his team boasts several achievements, Head Coach Jeff Thomas is not yet satisfied and hopes his team will accomplish something it never has.

“We would like to win a national championship,” Thomas said. “That’s still what we strive for.”

Despite how challenging the goal may seem, Thomas is confident that the program will eventually reach championship status.

“The guys we have committed are great guys,” Thomas said.” They are striving to please God with their talent.”

The Flames will open their season with a visit to Sugar Grove, Ill., Sept. 6-8, where they will face Northern Intercollegiate.