Tuesday October 2, 2001

The Arizona men's golf team traveled to Columbus, Ohio, to play in the Preview by Ping and Golf Week Tournament, trying to build on their solid play the week before.

However, UA found itself not only overmatched by the field of 15 teams, but the frigid weather as well.

A final total of 893 (41 over par) put the Wildcats in 13th place. UA was a distant 31 strokes behind the Clemson Tigers, who squeaked out a one-stroke victory over Wake Forest.

"Well, we didn't play very well," UA head coach Rick LaRose said. "But life will go on. It was a very difficult golf course."

Sophomore Chris Nallen, who finished tied for 19th place with a score of 219 (6-over-par) had the low score for UA.

Junior standout Ricky Barnes struggled with his game for the second straight week. Barnes shot a disappointing 8-over par, which put him in a tie for 29th place.

He expressed some concern about how he has played so far this year.

"I haven't been playing up to par so far this year, it's been disappointing," Barnes said. "I haven't hit the ball that bad, but I really haven't done a good job scoring."

Barnes started the season ranked as the No. 1 collegiate golfer in the country and so far hasn't quite lived up to the billing. The native of Stockton, Calif., has confidence that his game will turn around, however.

"There are a lot of good teams out there," Barnes said. "We have just been unsuccessful so far. It's getting a little frustrating, but I think that we will be able to turn it around."

LaRose said that all teams had to face a similar problem because of the inclement weather.

"It was cold," LaRose said. "But it was the same for everyone."

The coach said he is going to have to hope that his veterans play better if the team is going to turn it around.

"We have to rely on our top players," LaRose said. "This was another learning experience for our younger players. We just need more consistent scoring."

The Wildcats, who were ranked No. 2 in the nation in two separate pre-season polls, have not yet played up to their potential. LaRose said he isn't worried because it's a long season.

"Playing well at the end of the season is our real goal," LaRose said. "We are just looking to improve."