The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
University of Texas
East Lake Cup
No. 18 Men’s Golf advances to championship match at East Lake Cup
10.29.2019 | Men's Golf
The Longhorns will face Oklahoma State in match play finals on Wednesday.
ATLANTA — The No. 18 Texas men's golf team will advance to the championship match tomorrow at the East Lake Cup. The Longhorns secured wins in four of their five matches, with the fifth match ending in a tie. They will compete tomorrow against Oklahoma State, a rematch from the NCAA semifinals last spring against their familiar Big 12 conference foe.
Head coach John Fields said the team was prepared to battle Vanderbilt today, and they were not going to take one hole for granted. "I think our kids played really well, so it was a fun day and we'll get ready this evening for tomorrow," Fields said. " We are looking forward to having a chance to win the East Lake Cup."
Spencer Soosman and Travis Vick both were forced to go to extra holes to secure a winning point in their respective matches, which proved pivotal in helping Texas to advance into the championship. Parker Coody and Cole Hammer also closed out their matches with a 2&1 victory.
"I'm really excited about the chance to win the East Lake Cup," Soosman said. "I know how prestigious this event is and we're honored to be here."
Transitioning from stroke play to match play means adopting somewhat of a different mindset, or strategy for the players. Vick explained that for him personally, the switch can be challenging.
"In match play you are so focused on the other guy, and you kind of make decisions based on what he does. And in stroke play, you are focused on your own game. Making that transition is definitely tough," Vick said.
Vick had an eagle on No.2 and proceeded to make three birdies on the front nine. On the first extra hole, Vick holed his long putt from off the green to secure the first win of the day for the Longhorns. "That was pretty awesome for it to go in. I didn't want want to chip it because of that Bermuda [grass] so I decided to putt it. For it to go in was very fortunate," Vick said.
Texas and Oklahoma State are no strangers on the golf course. They battled in the semifinals of the NCAA's earlier this year in the same match play format. Fields explains that with every round of match play the team has, it brings more opportunities, practice and competition.
"You're going to make a better decision here or there or somewhere that might help you win a match, and that's a critical thing because you've got to win three," Fields said.
Texas and Oklahoma State will tee off tomorrow starting at 7:30 a.m. CT, with live coverage beginning at 9:30 a.m. CT on Golf Channel.
Quick Quotes
"We have to play like we did today. Just keep playing well. I think the conditions are going to be tough, it's probably going to rain, so we're going to need to be mentally strong." -Travis Vick on game plan for tomorrow
"Most of these teams have several great players- maybe three or four great players- and it's hard to beat them, no matter who it is. So the experience is wonderful." -Coach Fields on the teams experience at East Lake Cup so far
"This would be a really good way to end the season, with a victory. I believe in this team, I think it's a great team and we have a lot of firepower and I know we'll be ready to go," - Spencer Soosman on wrapping up the fall season
"It was an easy decision honestly. I wanted to go somewhere to get a degree and also was a top-10 program.I also really wanted to get really good at chipping and putting and my wedges and on Bermuda grass. Just like Beau Hossler did, I kind of followed that lead. I knew right away that it would be the best place for me."- Spencer Soosman on choosing the University of Texas at Austin
