Heading into the Arizona men’s golf team’s home tournament with the team’s future uncertain, the team was unsure as to how it would hold up. Despite roster changes and with the postseason creeping into the back of their minds, the Wildcats came together and accomplished something they have seldom been able to do throughout the season. At the National Invitational Tournament at Omni Tucson National Golf Resort, which concluded yesterday, the Wildcats finished in fifth place, shooting a combined 6-over-par.

The scorecard, however, does not tell the story of how the team was able to overcome all of the harships they encountered before the tournament began. In the past few weeks, the team has had to deal with many roster changes in an attempt to solidify an otherwise shaky lineup that has kept golfers from placing higher throughout the season. It was not until Sunday, when the tournament began, that the team was able to come together and prove what it has otherwise been unable to do – play as a team.

“”I think we are finding a way to all come together now,”” said freshman Jonathan Khan. “”Sometimes it has just seemed like we are missing one player.””

The Wildcats’ scores yesterday reflected a new lineup that could be a signal for what is to come in the next few years. With three freshmen participating in the tournament, these young players are now developing into what will be a solid group for the remainder of this year and into the next. Freshman Tarquin MacManus led the way for the Wildcats, shooting a 1-under-par to place in 15th, after starting the day in a tie for 29th.

Senior Creighton Honeck and junior Tyler Neal finished right behind MacManus in a tie for 16th place, shooting even par for the tournament. Freshman Jonathan Khan (7 over, 45th) finished with a 3-over-par while freshman Roberto Galleti posted a 3 over for the day and 14-over-par overall to place in a tie for 67th.

“”Creighton has really stepped it up for us these last few tournaments and now we are all starting to play together,”” Khan said. “”Unfortunately, it is at the end of the season.””

The Wildcats now must focus on what lies ahead for them as they enter the final part of the season. With a solidified lineup of youngsters, the Wildcats are right where they want to be as they try to make their run to the end of the season.

“”It is getting down to crunch time now for us,”” Khan said.