"Bittersweet."
It's the one word that can describe the type of season his team had, said MSU men's golf head coach Mark Hankins.
After qualifying for the NCAA Championships in Williamsburg, Va., the MSU golf team's season came to an end Friday afternoon after finishing in 23rd place at the 30-team tournament. With the top 15 teams advancing to the final rounds, MSU had to pack its bags early.
This was the Spartans' first trip to the championships in 14 years. The team recorded three tournament victories and won the Big Ten Championship on the way to the tournament appearance. Though his team fell short in the final tournament, Hankins considered the season a success.
"We felt we didn't quite play up to our potential at the NCAA's and it was tough for anyone to really find a groove out there," Hankins said. "We are going to have to take this as a learning experience."
After finishing his three-round outing with a final score of 210 (70-69-71), freshman Jack Newman tied for 23rd place and had the highest overall finish for the Spartans.
"Jack had a great spring, including his play in the tournament, and it was really a first glimpse of things to come for him," Hankins said. "He was so clutch down the stretch and I am proud of the improvement he showed."
The second-highest finisher for the Spartans was senior Matt Harmon, who tied for 43rd overall with a final score of 212 (73-68-71).
The Big Ten Golfer of the Year finished his senior season at MSU with two tournament victories at both the Kepler and Fossum Invitational.
He has plans to take his game to the professional ranks, which could happen as early as this summer, Hankins said.
"Matt wants to play golf after his collegiate career and there is no doubt in my mind that he has the ability to do so," he said. "He has been a special player here at MSU for four straight years and you can't replace a kid like that."
Harmon is one of only two departing seniors, which leaves the Spartans' future looking bright. The team will rely on the play of upperclassmen Ryan Brehm and Brandon Cigna.
Brehm posted the fourth-highest finish for the Spartans at the championships, with a final score of 220 and a tie for 116th. He has earned various Big Ten honors in the past three seasons and will be looked to for leadership next year, especially with such a young team.
With the emergence of Newman along with other underclassmen, MSU has the pieces in place to return to the NCAA Championships. The Spartans also will have Michigan's Mr. Golf, Payne Gniewek, joining the team next year. He is a likely candidate to replace Harmon in the team's lineup.
Hankins is taking nothing for granted.
"Every year is different, but we will expect more if we do make it back to the finals next year," Hankins said.
"One of the great things about golf is that on any given week, anything can happen - you just don't know what to expect."
"Regardless of the outcome in the finals, I am proud of this group of guys and they put together one of the best years you will ever see from a college team."
