Men's Golf finishes third at CAA Tournament to break all-time school record

Senior Silas VanSky led the Patriots to a school-record third place finish at the CAA Tournament over the weekend, and finished third as an individual at +2 total for the three rounds. (Photo courtesy of the Men's Golf team)

The George Mason Men’s Golf team finished third in the 2011 CAA Championships, the best finish in program history, held at the famous Pinehurst Resort.

While the history and age of the resort that has hosted two U.S. Opens, one PGA Championship, and one Ryder Cup is what makes it prominent, the tournament was played on the newest course, Pinehurst No. 8, designed in 1996.

The Patriots were in contention the entire tournament, standing in third after the first day, crawling up to second after the second day, and falling back to third, but only one stroke off of second in the tournament’s final day.

Senior Silas VanSky led the way for the Patriots, finishing with a two-over par 218 (72-74-72), finishing third overall and earning All-Tournament honors.

“I was pretty pleased with how I did this week at conference,” he said. “I had been showing signs of playing good golf during this spring season and this week I finally put together a complete tournament.”

The key to VanSky’s consistency was not only execution, but mental toughness.

“In a couple of the rounds I made some mistakes early, but kept my composure and recovered well,” he said.

Along with VanSky’s phenomenal performance, Mason’s four other participants were vital in the team’s best conference tournament finish since 2001, with four players finishing in the top 20 overall in the tournament. 

Sophomore Casey Thompson finished 11th overall with a three round total of 225.  Senior Branson Real finished one stroke behind Thompson, good for 15th overall.  Junior Josh Apple followed as well, averaging a 76 through the tournament, finishing 18th overall.  Senior Marshall Tinsley rounded out the scoring, finishing 30th overall with a three-round score of 233.

Since the CAA Tournament for golf began in 1984, George Mason’s average finish has been seventh place in 28 appearances.  This record finish though, comes as no surprise to the players.

“We haven't had that many great finishes this spring season but that didn't stop us from coming into the tournament with confidence,” VanSky said.  “I know we weren't thrilled about finishing in third by one shot to VCU, but it was still a great tournament and the best in George Mason golf's history.”

Mason has had five other strong finishes in the tournament.  They came in fourth place in 1989 along with the 2001 finish.  They finished in fifth place in 1988, 1994 and 1996.

Despite it being his last tournament, VanSky reflected on all the positive experiences from his career.

“I can't believe that it's already over, these four years have flown by,” he said.  “I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to play golf here and done the things we've done.”

The team will look towards Apple and Thompson as key components for next year’s squad.