Kicking off its spring season at the 2022 Sea Best Invitational Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, No. 23 Liberty men’s golf finished second place overall with senior Kieran Vincent leading the way with a 1-under-par 209 (71-70-68).
It was a battle for the team title as the Flames faced 12 different teams, five that ranked in the preseason top 50. With many new golfers on the roster, it was exactly the kind of challenge the team needed to tee off the spring season.
A young roster needs leadership and experience, and Head Coach Jeff Thomas liked what he saw from his team at the Sea Best Invitational.
“I think that the guys played well, and it was just nice to be able to go out and get a second-place finish, beating a couple of really strong teams, including [Texas A&M] sitting at rank nine,” Thomas said. “It’s good to have a strong group of older guys who have the experience playing in tournaments and know what to expect when it comes to practice and understand what we’re trying to accomplish this season.”
In order to have success this season, the team will need veterans to exemplify wisdom and experience. Senior Kieran Vincent provides just that for his team.
Vincent tied for second individually on the weekend, only bested by North Florida golfer Nick Gabrelcik who ran away with the tournament, going 7-under-par 203 (69-69-65).
“It’s awesome to have Kieran here,” Thomas said. “He’s one of the best players we’ve ever had in program history. So, to be able to have him on the roster, alongside our new players, is definitely a bonus.”
As a team, the Flames look only to improve, seeking a trip to the National Championship. In past years, they have finished 20th and 21st. Thomas noted that the key focus of the season was to retain their conference title.
“As far as the season goes, we just want to win the ASUN Championship,” Thomas said. “Improving on what we’ve done over the past couple years, try to make a match and see what we can do.”
The Flames will travel to the Sunshine State Feb. 12 to play in the Gator Invitational in Gainesville, Florida. With seven other top-25 teams in the tournament, Liberty will face a major test early this season.
Treadway is a sports reporter.