Golf sees growth thanks to new winter practice facility

The Penn golfers returned late Saturday night from what was their first spring trip in years. After revamping the off-season practice program, the Quakers' golfers feel more prepared for the upcoming season than they ever have in the past. As the tenure of coach Francis Vaughn reaches its first anniversary, Penn feels poised to capture the Ivy crown. After the Red and Blue completed its fall season, the Quakers constructed a new indoor practice facility containing both a range and putting green, which for the first time enabled the Quakers to keep their swings intact. These strides in improving the program as well as the long-awaited spring trip have restored pride and performance of Penn golf. Junior Adam Bradshaw, the Quaker who had the most consistent fall season, continued his steady play over the break. Bradshaw noted that the golf team's trip south allowed Penn to "catch up with every other team." It was down in Florida that Penn's golfers got the opportunity to see just how much this winter's practice in their new facility helped. "Everyone improved," Vaughn said. "Guys that worked hard on their games in the off-season played well. I feel we are a lot further ahead than last year at this time." This trip along with all of the improvements to Penn golf are seen by many of the Quakers a result of the hard work by coach Vaughn. It was about this time last year that coach Vaughn was hired, and he was brought in to revive the glory of years past. "Francis's efforts have instilled a deep sense of pride and motivation in the golf team," Bradshaw said. "The spring break trip only served to strengthen those feelings." In two weeks the Quakers' golfers begin their spring schedule at Navy Academy for the Navy Spring Invitational. With the Ivy Championship as their goal, it is easy for the team to reflect on its recent accomplishments as a sign for the future. "We have made some big strides this season," Vaughn said. And it is clear to all observers of the program that a major turnaround has occurred on the links of Penn golf.