The St. Bonaventure golf team has an upcoming adventure that’s unlike anything they’ve experienced before.
After a top-ten finish for junior Christian Chapman, and a fourth-place overall for the Bonnies, all eyes are set on the team’s trip to Ireland this week to face off against Trinity College Dublin. During the long-awaited voyage, the team will get the opportunity to play some of the top-ranked courses in the country: Portmarnock, Island Club, Waterville, Doonbeg and Tralee, the last of which being designed by the late great Arnold Palmer.
Although the trip was scheduled for the matchup with Trinity, the Bonnies look forward to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Head coach Ryan Swanson anticipates this trip being great for all involved as they have gathered a large group, including various Bonaventure alums and team family members. He said it will be his first time taking a trip to Ireland. Being able to do so with his team and others will make it all the more exciting, he said.
Leading up to the trip, the Bonnies have been itching to get back on the course. Their season has begun on a moderate note, including the aforementioned fourth-place finish at Cornell. The team also competed in the annual Little Three championship, winning it outright for the fourth-straight year. In its first match, it was a 12th place finish at Colgate that proved to be a fluke as the team was feeling things out to start the year.
Chapman spoke highly of his team, saying this year’s squad is “one of the best teams I’ve been a part of during my collegiate career,” and was as confident as anyone in the Bonnies’ chances to compete at a high level against any team.
As the team looks forward to playing international talent, Chapman said the Bonnies are no strangers to teeing off against players from across the pond.
“I was fortunate enough to compete against many European players during my time at Delaware and even after transferring here to Bonaventure. They have different styles and strategies, but are still some of the best players we see,” said the junior.
More than anything, though, everyone involved has the same feelings as Swanson. Albeit for a short time, competing abroad is not something many golfers can say they took part in.
“Going to Ireland is on every golfers bucket list, and we are beyond blessed and fortunate enough to have an experience like this. We’ve all been counting down the days and could not be more excited to get there,” Chapman said.
Chapman, along with his teammates, are itching to experience Irish culture and, of course, time away from the day-to-day college life.
“We do a trip like this every year that builds comradery and getting to know their families. Just spending time in a beautiful country will definitely outshine previous team trips to places like the Carolinas or Georgia,” Swanson said.
Swanson made an emphasis that these Irish links were some of the best and most historical golf courses in the world and the memories shared on and around them will stick with everyone involved for years to come. Look for the Bonnies to make an impact abroad, perhaps with some “luck of the Irish” leaning their way.
By Tyler Smith, Contributing Writer
smithtj19@bonaventure.edu
