The University of Mississippi Athletics
Coach Ross' Season-Ending Blog
5/23/2007 | Men's Golf
I will always remember our 2006-07 season for the special players we had. First and foremost, our three seniors -- Callum Macaulay, Chris Rogers, and Brice Bailey.
Callum had to be one of the most improved golfers from one year to the next. In his junior year, he did not play well, only making one tournament in the spring. This year, he averaged 73.07 and made All-SEC. He dropped his scoring average by over two shots and was a real team leader. I will always remember Callum for his dedication to his teammates, to Ole Miss, and to the game of golf. He was also our team "comedian," and his quick humor will always be missed.
Chris Rogers did not make a single tournament in the spring of his junior season, but made every tournament in 2006-07. His scoring average of 74.09 showed great improvement, especially in the tough spring weather conditions we had this year. I will always remember Chris for never giving up in a round. He always battled for every stroke, the dream of a coach or teammate.
Brice Bailey didn't finish the season with the type of success that he wanted. He had his career best round in early April in Charlotte, North Carolina (67) and had his most impressive finish there -- 12th in a very strong field. I do believe that he put so much pressure on himself that he made the game harder than it should be. I will always remember Brice as the hardest worker on our team. He loves the game and strives to get better each day. Brice was an excellent student and his leadership will be missed. He also loved Ole Miss, and I know he will be loyal to our golf program forever.
We had an unusual spring season. We played the entire spring with the same five players for all seven tournaments. These five (three seniors along with junior David Marino and sophomore Will Roebuck) became very close friends in spite of very diverse backgrounds. Our team accomplished many goals -- the main one being making it to NCAA Regionals.
We played in the East Regional, and just didn't play well. As a coach, I could see a team that almost tried too hard. We started well the first round, but on the back nine things began to unravel. As we made mistakes, we pressed too hard and made more mistakes. While I know we discussed the pressure and wanted to make this tournament "just like any
other tournament," I could see the frustration in their faces and body language.
We will be back next year, stronger and better. We learned some valuable lessons, and I know we will set our goals higher. We return senior redshirt Kyle Ellis, ready for a great year. Rising senior David Marino has developed into a more consistent player and wants to really get better this summer. David learned how to get the most out of all his rounds, even when he didn't have his "A" game. Rising junior Will Roebuck showed flashes of brilliance. He is a very long hitter and one of the best putters in college golf. I know he learned a great deal by going through the battles of high-level college golf. We have the players on our team to achieve a high national ranking in 2007-08.
Coach Ernest Ross Ole Miss Men's Golf
