It is just a matter of time.
That's all men's golf coach Myers had to say about his team's slow start to the spring season.
This past week the Blue Devils competed in the Seminole Intercollegiate where they finished in fifth place, 27 strokes behind tournament winner and ACC rival Virginia. Individual honors were captured by Virginia's Steve Marino.
The tournament was played at the par-72, 6,869-yard Golden Eagle Country Club, where considerable rain on the eve of day one made the course play much longer.
"We are having trouble putting a finger on what our problem is," Myers said. "This tournament was a good indication of where we're at. We still have a lot of improving to do, but we are not far from it.
"We were the highest nationally ranked team in the field, so we are obviously disappointed with our fifth-place finish."
One of the troubles for Duke this spring has been the inconsistent play of its top golfer, Matt Krauss. The junior continued his struggles in Tallahassee, shooting two mediocre rounds 75-76 before firing a final-round even-par 72 to finish tied for 23rd.
Duke was led by sophomore Leif Olson, but like Krauss, Olson struggled through his second round, which was plagued by large numbers-something uncharacteristic of both golfers. Olson fired rounds of 71-76-73 to finish at 4-over-par 220 and tie for 12th.
Myers realizes that for the Blue Devils to improve and contend in future tournaments, both Krauss and Olson must find their form from a season ago.
"If we want to have a chance to win golf tournaments we need to have individuals in position to win golf tournaments," Myers said. "Matt and Leif are both outstanding players. It will come."
Seniors Kevin Streelman and Paul Tucker both showed flashes of great play over the three rounds, but were also unable to evade high scores. Tucker had a tough first round of 78, but the senior rebounded to play his last two rounds at 1-under to finish in a tie for 15th at 5-over.
Streelman shot rounds of 73-76-73 to also finish in a tie for 15th.
"This is a five-man team and we need everyone to be in sync," Myers said. "We will spend the next few days trying to find someone to take the fifth spot and preparing for the next event."
This weekend the Blue Devils travel to Statesboro, GA for the Schenkel Invitational.
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