The Omnibus

Issue date: 5/13/04 Section: Sports

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The Omnibus recently spoke with junior Nick Layman, a member of the Southwest Baptist University golf team, about his performance at the NCAA Division II Central Great Lakes Super Regional and his expectations for next season.

Omnibus: During the first two rounds of the Super Regional you played well, and then you seemed to hit a slump. What exactly happened out there?

Layman: Yeah, I was tied for first after two days. Then in the third round I actually started out pretty well by parring the first two holes. Next, I double-bogeyed the third hole. After that, I then proceeded to bogey the next three holes. I was just hitting too many errant iron shots. I was five over par after six holes. I knew Bryce Garnett from (Missouri) Western was going to shoot 75 or better on the last day. So I was thinking after six holes, if I could play the last 12 holes at one or two over, I would have a realistic chance of winning.

On the next 12 holes I started to press. I was overshooting the hole, creating harder putts than I wanted. I was making the golf course harder than it was actually playing that day. I ended up with an 85, 14 over for the day, 11 shots back from first. Byrce Garnett from Western and Matt Warnock from Washburn tied for first.

Omnibus: Did you accomplish what you wanted to this season?

Layman: Well back in January I had four goals. I made one of those goals. That was making the all-conference team for the third straight year. Other goals I had were to make the all-regional team, win at least one tournament and make it into nationals - either as an individual or with my team. Even though I did not make the all-regional team, I was happy my teammate, Dusty Smith, made it.

Omnibus: What was your reaction when you had learned you had made the all-conference team?

Layman: I knew I had made it before it was actually released on April 27, but I was very pleased. Anytime you make the all-conference team three years in a row, it is a good accomplishment.

Omnibus: Looking back, how would you evaluate this season?

Layman: It was a great learning experience for me. It was good for me to put myself in winning positions. I had a good chance to win two different tournaments this year. My best finish was when Dusty and I tied for third at Missouri Western, one shot back from the lead.

Omnibus: What are some of the preparations you are going to take to get ready for next season?

Layman: Over the summer I am going to play two local state tournaments and two national qualifying tournaments. Last year I finished 19th at the Missouri Amateur Stroke Play Tournament, and I am looking to build on that this year. It is really fun to compete out there in these summer tournaments against people of all ages.

Omnibus: How do you feel about next year's team as a whole?

Layman: Right now it's looking like we will have four returning players including myself, David Couchie (senior), Tyler Gripka (freshman) and Mike Martinez (sophomore). We also plan on signing two twins from the St. Louis area, Adam and Jared Lotz. They should be a nice addition to the team. We are also currently looking at a senior from Ozark and a senior from Neosho as possible players for next fall. With the new recruits, I think we will be a sleeper in the fall. Other teams will not really be looking out for us. But, by the end of the fall, we will be a force to be reckoned with as our new players adjust to collegiate-level play.

Omnibus: How are you personally anticipating the fall?

Layman: I am looking forward to the fall. I just want to get back on the golf course, and show everyone that the 85 I shot at the Super Regional is not who I am. I thought the final round at the Super Regional was a great learning experience for me, and it humbled me quite a bit. Next year I think I will be a better player for it.

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