Rams golf team takes swing at becoming champions

Head Coach Robert Bethea isn't bothering to downplay his feelings when it comes to the Winston-Salem State golf team.   

"From the first of the season to this point, we're doing great," Bethea said.  

"I want to continue to do well."

WSSU came in first at the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Tournament in Atlanta, Sept. 23.  

In the Trojan Classic golf tournament at Virginia State,  the Rams finished third, Oct. 9.  

Bethea has six seasons of head coaching experience at WSSU and has been around golf for almost 50 years.

Bethea has tried something new over the last couple years to challenge and improve his players.  

Instead of mostly practicing at their home course, Winston Lake Golf Course, the team practices and plays at different golf courses in the area, including the Salem Glen and Tanglewood golf courses in Clemmons, N.C.

"Those are great [golf] courses," Bethea said.  

"That's a plus for any given golf team because normally you don't get that [opportunity] anywhere," he said.

"It makes the kids think more and they have a lot of different shots on all different courses."

Bethea said that if his team becomes more consistent, then they could have more success in tournaments.  

"If I got four or five guys that can shoot in the 70's, we're going to finish great in that tournament."

Team captain Devin Cherry said that a key to continuing good shooting in tournaments is maintaining an emphasis on practice.  

"Each player working on their individual game improves the team," Cherry said.  

At the NBCA Hall of Fame Tournament, Cherry won the tournament's individual award and helped to lead his team to first place.

The senior from Charlotte has high expectations for himself and his team.

"I want to win the CIAA championship and the national championship," he said.

Bethea is hoping last year's disappointment  -- not winning the CIAA championship -- will help give his team experience needed to make an even stronger run at becoming champions.

The team finished second last year to the Virginia State Trojans.

"Last year we should have won it.  We were right there [at the end] but you got to learn how to be champions," Bethea said.

"You want to win and you have to go out there and take it."