On Sept. 15 the Colgate golf team narrowly missed the pin when they participated in the Bucknell Invitational at the Bucknell Golf Club, placing eighth out of 15 teams. The team finished with a score of 900, which was 42 strokes behind the first place team, Rider. Led by junior Ricky Hayes’ score of 224, sophomore Montek Mayal’s 226, Sam Gerston’s and Keaton Cross’ scores of 228, and Joe Vogler’s 246, the team finished just one stroke behind seventh place La Salle, and was within 26 strokes of every team besides Rider.

Individually, Hayes’ score of 224 was good for a tie for 22nd place, trailing Rider’s Tyler Brewington first place score of 211. He was playing through severe pain in his ribs, which trainers think has sidelined the junior standout, who spent over five hours in the hospital Saturday. This loss could cripple the Raiders, as Hayes, a three-year starter, is the team’s number one performer and one of their leaders (the coach has yet to officially name a captain).

Hayes’ performance, in which he said he was “making too many mistakes that cost [him] shots [he] should not be giving up,” stands out when put in perspective. Hayes’ presence and experience would be sorely missed, especially since the team has been, in Hayes’ words, “becoming more consistent as a unit.”

With or without Hayes, the team must move on. Looking forward, Hayes stated that the team “needs to become more consistent” and that he “sees no reason why [they] shouldn’t be able to do that.”

The team, which is off this weekend, plays at Cornell the following weekend. Until then, the team will be working hard to stay focused while doing their best to play each individual golf course instead of worrying about their opponents.

Hayes could return as soon as next week to defend his title at the Binghamton Invitational. Trainers remain skeptical, however, saying Hayes may miss over a month. The youthful team still looks to build upon their eighth place finish in what looks to be an extremely promising season.