William C. Phillips III

The Saluki golf squad plan to put more emphasis on getting the ball in the hole and less on the mechanics, SIUC golf coach Gene Shaneyfelt said.

Shaneyfelt said during the off season the players lifted weights and worked on their swings to improve the distance in which they hit the ball.

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We didn’t play that well in the fall and it always seems to improve in spring, he said. We will take our time and have fun.

Shaneyfelt said he is concerned with team unity, and the players getting to know each other.

Guys must be concerned with each other and have unity, he said. They must learn the strengths and weaknesses of each other, and grow to desire to play with each other.

Shaneyfelt said he understands his younger players are now getting adjusted to being away from home since fall.

Hopefully by being in school for a semester and settling down they will play better this spring, he said.

Quinn McClure, a senior in physical education from Mt. Vernon, said he the team is playing every chance it gets in preparation for its first tournament in Florida on March 15-17 at Embry Riddle University.

I have been working on my short game, chipping and putting to get ready for the first tour in Daytona, Fla., McClure said.

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Todd Eacker, a freshman in business from Altus, Olka., said he worked on his physical game and gained weight.

I gained weight so I can hit the ball farther, Eacker said. I want to get it down to two strokes instead of three.

Even though the majority of the team consists of younger players, the season will improve the team, Eacker said.

I think it will give the younger kids experience on courses they never saw before, he said. It may also hurt us by not having older players who are used to certain courses.

Eacker said he feels no added pressure because he is a freshman.

I’m trying to get some experience to contribute for the next three years, he said.

McClure said he is looking forward to opening and finishing the season on a strong note.

We have a long road ahead of us, he said. Hopefully we can make some turnarounds from the fall and do better in the spring and get the younger kids off to a good start for next season.