From Emory University Athletics

Onto day three of our Scotland excursion and the final chapter of our stay in the legendary golf town of St. Andrews. No better way to cap it off than by playing the Old Course.  It is 12:30 in the afternoon and the wind is blowing powerfully. Tony, Csillag and I are on the tee. In addition to the week-long competition, today, Tony and I are playing a one-on-one stroke play match. We go back and forth all day, neither of us has the advantage. Despite difficult conditions, birdies are being made -- answering right back to the other. Very fun to watch and even more fun to be a part of.

Accompanied by a friendly Scotsman named Fred and his trustee caddie Bruce, we were able to take advantage of some inside information. The match is tied heading into the 18th tee and Tony comes out swinging. A powerful drive that sails its way onto the putting surface of the famous par 4. The pressure is on. A good drive on my part, but due to physical limitations the ball came to a stop 25 yards short of the green. I took faith in my putter to roll the ball onto the green at a distance of 12 feet. The match was a true challenge but in the end I prevailed, relying on my putter to do the work and sink the winning putt. Despite a solid lag to four feet, a misread made Tony's ball just slip by the hole in the last second. It was a great duel and a true gift.

Still, it was the morning flight that brought us our greatest pride. Two Emory golfers Noah Apter and Keenan Hickton made their way through the course with a pair of 74's. Surely taking advantage of his incredible physicality, Noah overpowered the Old Course. With length that enabled him to drive it past the green on multiple par 4's, and using a precise recovery, he was able to play a six-hole stretch in three under par. Even with five three putts on his card he was able to tie for the best score of the day.  

Noah is not alone, however. Taking advantage of his strengths, along with methodical execution, Keenan tied Noah's score. A highlight of his round came on number 2 when he holed out from off the green.  That and three birdies made it evident he fought hard, limiting his mistakes on his way to a great round.

A very special day at St. Andrews. One that will not be forgotten anytime soon. Off to Carnoustie next.