Villanova University

Sept. 28, 2004

VILLANOVA, Pa. - Although the Villanova golf team struggled at times in the 2003-04 season, there were several bright spots that give the squad new hope coming into the current season. Three of those bright spots are the junior class of Jonathan Hewett, Colin Mahon and Henry Watson. Last season, the trio accounted for more than one-third of the team's counting rounds in its 13 tournaments, and each was among the top five scorers on the team.

A lot is expected of this seasoned team," coach Joe Moran said. "Charlie Nettleton will be the captain and he should lead the squad."

Mahon is the team's top returning scorer after compiling a 78.57 stroke average in 14 rounds a year ago. He had two top-20 finishes and a low round of 2-over-par 72 in the second round of the St. John's McLaughlin. Mahon will spend the 2004 fall semester studying in England before returning to the team in time for the spring season.

Hewett played in all but one tournament and tied for the team lead in both total rounds (26) and counting rounds (21). He placed fifth in a field of 30 at the Fort Lauderdale Spring Classic and also had one top-20 finish. He sealed his high finish in Fort Lauderdale with a season-best 1-over-par 72 in the final round, and maintained a 78.58 stroke average.

"Jonathan Hewett should have a very good season for us," coach Jake Moran said. "Colin Mahon will also be back in the spring and will help us immediately. This is a very good team that has a chance to be under par if everyone is playing well."

Watson produced the team's only sub-par round of the season, a 1-under 70 in the first round of the Navy Spring Invitational. He had one top-20 finish and a 79.00 stroke average in 12 rounds.

Senior captain Charlie Nettleton has been one of the team's most consistent players since his arrival on the Main Line. He played 16 rounds in his junior campaign and had a 79.25 stroke average. He achieved his low round of 3-over-par on two occasions and turned in his best finish of the season with a 17th-place showing at the Temple Invitational.

Sophomores Brock Bergman and Brian Feeney return to the Wildcats after getting their first taste of collegiate competition as freshmen. Both competed in five tournaments, and figure to hold down regular spots in this season's lineup.

Freshmen Patrick Murphy and Michael Kouch complete this season's roster. The pair each made the team during preseason tryouts and figure to get a chance to become a part of the starting five.

"Our freshmen come in with excellent credentials and will be expected to complement the returning upperclassmen," Joe Moran said. "They have practiced with diligence, perception and knowledge of the game, which should produce excellent results this season."

Villanova will play a slate of 12 tournaments this season, including five during the fall season. The Wildcats kickoff the season at the Rutgers Men's Golf Invitational on September 17-18. The St. John's McLaughlin and annual Big 5 Classic also highlight the fall schedule.

For the 14th consecutive season, golf professional Stu Ingraham will lend his teaching and tour experience to the Wildcats. Ingraham will assist the team in all aspects of the game on a daily basis during practice.