Allegheny’s men’s golf team traveled up north as they finished in 8th place this past weekend at the University of Rochester Kravetz Invitational.
The road players drove through was difficult, as the conditions were vicious with winds consistently reaching upwards of 25 miles per hour, and punished players who made the slightest of miscalculations. Although the Gators came in last, there were still a handful of highlights, including play from the first-year prodigy, Carter Hassenplug, ’25.
“The conditions can be different every day,” Hassenplug said. “You could be playing in degrees and sunny one day, and the next you could be playing in 50 degrees and wind … it adds a level of difficulty but it adds a level of fun.”
Temperatures varied all weekend, never going below 30, but never surpassing 45. Big gusts of wind were also blowing in the faces of players at 50 miles per hour. Nevertheless, Hassenplug battled through the adversity and tied fourth place in the event, shooting a score of 75 in each of his rounds.
Hassenplug now has three top 10 finishes on the season in the eight events he has played including throughout the fall. He has been a reliable asset for the Gators since enrolling this year. This past weekend, the tee box was his best friend, setting him up numerous times in good positions and typically leaving him with an opportunity for birdie.
On the 17th hole in Hassenplugs second round, he was staring down a 215 yard par three. He was tracking his position on the leaderboard and knew he had to hit a big shot to stay in contention for a top five finish. He stepped up and smashed it like Tiger Woods, putting the ball to within 10 feet of the pin after nearly cupping it on the fly.
“It was the best shot I hit all weekend,” Hassenplug said.
Another young talent representing the Gators this year is Bergas Anargya, ’25. Anargya also competed in the event this past weekend and placed in a tie for 31st. Although it was not the outcome he was looking for, the first-year coming all the way from Indonesia has only played in three other events, all occurring in the fall, and has a lot of potential in the eyes of Head Coach Jeff Groff.
“He’s gotten better throughout the season and has worked his way into the lineup,” Groff said. “His upside is very big, and I think he can help us quite a bit.”
Another benefit working for Anargya is the availability to play during the winter months. Going home to Indonesia provides a unique experience to play while many other students can not due to weather, not to mention it is in a completely different part of the world.
Anargya has put countless hours into his game, and thinks he will be ready for his next start. With only a couple of tournaments left to play, he is hoping for a big boost into a top five finish to close out the year.
“I think having that confidence will help me and the team as well,” Anargya said. “This weekend was one to reflect on, but it’s a game to have fun, and when you’re having fun you’re shooting better scores and playing better.”
Moving through his 21st season as the Gators head coach, Groff has played a pivotal role in building a foundation for this program. He said it is a special honor and each class sets a new standard for what Allegheny Golf should be.
“We try to run a first class program here (at Allegheny),” Groff said. “I feel very fortunate.”
He has helped build the foundation of this program, as he is only one of three head coaches to come through the doors of the Blue and Gold since 1970. He has also been the head coach of the women’s program since 2006, helping with its inception and leading the Gators to unprecedented heights.
The Gators will head to the NCAC/OAC Clash this coming Saturday and Sunday at Apple Valley Golf Club in Howard, Ohio. Capping off the season the following week they will head to the NCAC Championship and will play Friday through Sunday as they look to bring home the gold for a chance to enter regional play.