In Their Words: Texas Tech Golf

LUBBOCK, Texas – A season that started with unprecedented success for the Texas Tech men's golf team came to its conclusion under extraordinary circumstances that is shared with athletic programs throughout the NCAA and worldwide at all levels of competition. The Red Raiders had three regular-season tournaments remaining on their schedule and a resume of three team wins coming at The Carmel Cup, Iverness Intercollegiate and the Big 12 Match Play Tournament and an ascension to the first No. 1 ranking in program history.

Below is a collection of thoughts from the players and coaches in the program who reflected on the success of the season and the unique conclusion along with their frame of mind on the future.

Sandy Scott
On his senior season, the Texas Tech golf program and thoughts on his future: "It has been a great season with the team. We have bonded so well and I feel I have learned lessons from each and every one of my teammates. We're proud of our achievements and how much we were able to improve. I believe it was our collective drive to be great that made us special. We all worked hard at what we wanted to improve on to reach our individual and team potential. My favorite memory from this season is winning the Big 12 Match Play. It's different from any normal individual or team win. The joy on everyone's faces made the trip home one of the easiest I've ever had. It is such a shame the season has come to an end to early. I feel so heartbroken for the team as we had been talking about winning a national championship and that was our main goal. To not be able to compete for it is devastating, especially in my last year. Health is a priority and I back whatever actions are necessary to get the world back to normal. The time I now have will be great for rest, recovery, practice and preparation for my professional career. I'm learning that the unexpected can happen at any time and it's hard to prepare for, but you must do what you can given the situation. I'm planning on turning professional when it resumes back to the playing schedule and hope to represent Texas Tech with as much pride and honor as possible."

Greg Sands
On the team's season and the program's mindset moving forward: "My thoughts on the season and the accomplishments are that this Fall was an unprecedented start. We were undefeated through three events by winning the Carmel Cup, the Inverness Collegiate and the Big 12 Match Play championship. Additionally, we were ranked No. 1 for several weeks. Obviously, it's easy to be excited and happy for those accomplishments but I was especially pleased with how we welcomed in new faces and came together as a team. This team is special because we prided ourselves in being the closest team. Each player would finish their round and go back to watch another teammate. We cared deeply about one another. My favorite memory was winning the Big 12 Match Play championship. The match against UT in the semifinal was really close and made for some dramatic clutch shots and putts. Our guys were up for the challenge and I will remember many of those shots for a lifetime. The hugs and high-fives and team meetings after winning makes all the long hours of practice and preparation worth it. Our goals moving into the next year are the same as every year. Being the best teammates and coaches that we can be and creating a team first environment. Working hard in our training and practice. Controlling our attitudes and representing the Double T and our families in a way they would be proud of."

Mikkel Bjerch
On the team's season and the program's mindset moving forward: "What made this team special was the leadership and the closeness of the team. We always have hard workers that love competing here at Texas Tech, that doesn't change. However, this year we had an incredible group of people lead by Sandy and Kyle. This team had a direction all year. We all learned a lot. The week of the Big 12 Match Play Tournament was incredible. There's pressure on every shot in the match play format. Seeing our guys perform at the highest stakes of the year was very rewarding and it brought our team very close. We were all disappointed at first (with the season ending). But a few days removed from the decisions that lead to our season ending, we obviously understand the decisions were important and necessary. What I'm left with is that I'm just proud and thankful for everyone in our group. We're lucky to get to compete and doing something we love every day. We will return a lot of talented players, and bring in an exciting recruiting class. We will be looking to create a similar culture to what we had on this year's team as our main goal."

Kyle Hogan
On his junior season and outlook for next year: "I think we had a great start to the season and were on track to do some great things. I think we started slow in the second semester but were beginning to get back on track and would've had a great chance at the National Championship. We had a great year and a great team and I wish we could've finished it. This team was special because we had a very deep team. Everyone on our team would've been in the lineup if they were at a different school and most would've been a top 2-3 player on any other team. I think on top of this depth, our team had a very strong work ethic and almost everyone would put in extra time on their own in the gym and on the course. Overall, I think the majority of this team just loved the process and getting better. My favorite memory from this past season was our trip to Palm Springs. This was a great time because every member of our team was able to go on that trip and we were able to stay in a great house and have a lot of fun. It was a unique opportunity to have everyone together on a trip and to be able to stay in one house together. I think that was a great week because we got to bond more as a team and not leave anyone behind. I'm disappointed that we were not able to finish the season because I felt like we had a team that was built for a national championship and that particular format. I've learned to really appreciate the little things because, as we know now, they can be gone in an instant. I think going forward I am going to try and appreciate the time I have with my teammates and coaches, whether it be on or off the course. I am going to try and use this extra time off to work on different parts of my game. I am going to try and get in the gym as often as I can and find other ways to work out, I also plan on doing some more reading and watching videos that will help me to improve my game. Moving to the next year, I am just trying to get better in every aspect of my game. I am going to continue to do the things I need to do to become a more well-rounded player. I hope that these improvements will show on the course and help our team fill the void left by Sandy's graduation. Hopefully I can help our team stay among the best in college golf and bring back a championship next season."

Andy Lopez
On his junior season and outlook for next year: "I thought what we did this season was just below our expectations in that we didn't put ourselves in the last groups on the final day to put pressure on the leaders. We knew we were a great team and the fall showed that and we wanted to do the same in the spring. We will definitely be back next year with some fire power because we are all continuing to learn from the greatest coaches in the nation. The fact that we are all so close to each other allows us to push each other to practice more and learn more. The coaches are our leaders and have helped us in this process and I owe it all to them for giving us the opportunity to play for tech and wear the Double T. My favorite memory was at Pebble Beach in the final round. It was coming down the stretch and we were all playing well which led to us winning the tournament. Then, right after the tournament ended, we went to go play another 18 at Cypress Point thanks to Mr. Carl Webb. He has done so much for Tech golf and to be able to play both those golf courses on the same day is a day I'll never forget. It hurts to know that we won't be able to compete this year for a national championship, but it does give us time to rest and enjoy our time with family and friends. I'm not sure what will happen in the future, but Tech will always be a home to me. As an individual, my goal is be a consistent part of the team and find ways for my game to be as consistent as possible. For the team, our goal is to be a top ranked team and win as many championships as possible."

Jamie Stewart
On his junior season and outlook on next year: "I think that we played well this season. The ranking shows that we were able to compete at a high level throughout the year and would have been able to challenge for a national title. It was a tight-knit group who would bounce off each other's energy whether it be on the course or in the locker room. It was a special team environment. I would say my favorite memory would just be the enjoyment of practicing with my friends every day. I guess for me, I am used to practicing alone so having people you enjoy being around practice with you is pretty special. I am obviously disappointed, but the NCAA made the right decision. Health and safety of other people comes before a golf tournament. It really just shows you how we really need to cherish our time at TTU. You really don't know what could happen. For me, it's just to keep improving and learning. I'm still young in the game so I'm just trying to learn and grow as a person and a player."

Markus Braadlie
On his sophomore season and outlook on next year: "I thought we had a very solid season. Especially starting the fall with three wins was very good and showed how good of a team we had. What made this team so special was how we had such a deep team. We had eight guys who could all go out and win a tournament individually. My favorite memory was our win at Pebble Beach to start the season. It is such a cool tournament and amazing place to play at. Getting the win as well made it awesome. It's tough that the season was cut short because we had a fantastic team. We could have done some really good things towards the end of the season, but there is nothing we can do about it. Now we just have to focus on next year and work hard to be even better when August comes. My goals moving into next year is to use the next few months to improve my game as much as possible. I want to win some tournaments next year and hopefully help our team to win the national championship."

Jansen Smith
On his sophomore season and outlook for next year: "I think it was one of the best years that Tech golf has ever had and it was a pleasure to be a part of it. It was so special to get that first No. 1 ranking in program history and to be in the top six or seven the entire year. Although rankings may not matter to everyone, it was nice to know that a lot of people thought that we were playing the best golf in the country, along with us. I think what has made our team special during the two years I've been here is our bond. We're all super close and are always hanging out away from the golf course. Every day is so much fun with this group of guys and there's never a dull moment. I think we all play for each other, and we're all very encouraging with everyone. I think the coaching staff is also a huge part of our success. Coach Sands and Mik are unbelievably good at their jobs and they make the team feel like family. My favorite memory from the season was definitely being able to play Augusta National in January. It's always been a dream of mine to be able to play it someday, just like most golfers, and to be able to actually do it was an amazing experience. We have an amazing coaching staff and alumni base that were able to set that up and everyone involved is super grateful for that opportunity. It's obviously a shame that we're not going to be able to make a run for the championship this year, especially with how good of a season we've had so far, but I think everyone is doing what's necessary to keep the public safe which is and should be the top priority. I'm going to try to use this time off to work on my game as well as my body, trying to get stronger and healthier during this offseason. Individually, I want to give myself several chances to win tournaments next season, as well as making improvements throughout the year on my physical and mental golf game. Team wise, I want to have a similar year as to what we had going this season. Also, we all want to make a run at the national title."

Ludvig Aberg
On his freshman season and outlook for next season: "I thought we really had a good year, both on and off the golf course. I believe we had a special year together with a special team so when we were successful on the golf course, it was no surprise to me. We were a group of extremely talented golfers and we expect success from ourselves, even though it's all a very long process. I feel like the positivity we built in this team is something we can benefit from and carry over to the coming fall season. We are a group of very talented golfers who know what it takes and work hard. We're also very fortunate to be surrounded by great people and great coaches who makes it easy for us to improve and get better, both on and off the course. Another reason why I think it's such a special group is the relationship we have to one another. We take care of our teammates like we're family, which is something I think is a huge factor in our recent success. It's hard to pick just one memory out from the year, but the Augusta trip was my personal favorite. The weekend we had in Georgia is a memory I'll never forget. Starting off by being picked up in Mr. Sowell's private jet in Dallas to go to Augusta. Then, to be fortunate enough to play Augusta National and have dinner in the clubhouse is a memory I cherish and something I'm extremely grateful for. Not to mention getting the chance to play Sage Valley the very next day was really the icing on the cake on the most perfect weekend. Having the season end was really tough at first when I realized we're not even going to get a chance to win the National Championship, but on the other hand, the ongoing situation in the world and that is so much more important than golf and sports. I understand the decision that has been made, but it's just hard to take in. This whole situation puts everything in perspective and the lesson I learned is that you can never take anything from granted. You never know if you're even going to get the chance to play, or if it's going to get taken away from us. I've realized the significance of enjoying the everyday process and how important it is to focus on the journey, not the result. It's easy to mention goals based on performances and results but I feel like, having in mind how the sporting world looks like right now, it's important to realize the other aspects of golf and to set goals for that. For instance, to set goals for the everyday work you put in, which eventually will lead to more result based performances, but the focus lies by the process. I also want to become a better teammate by contributing to an even more positive environment in our team, which I believe is a big part in a successful team."

Garrett Martin
On his freshman season and his outlook on next year: "The season was great. I had a lot of great experiences traveling all over the country and seeing a lot of new places. Getting the team's first ever No. 1 ranking is a huge accomplishment for us this year. What made this team special is how good everyone is and that everyone wanted to learn and get better. My favorite moment was winning the Big 12 Match Play championship. They say it finished with making a couple of long putts to win as well as getting coach his first championship. It's tough that we don't get to finish out the year and compete for a national championship but this won't be the last time playing golf and this won't be the last time playing team golf. My goals for next year are to stay as true to myself as possible and do what I need to do in order to be better for the team."

Alejandro Pedryc
On joining the program this semester and his outlook on next season: "Those were probably the best two months of my life. I've learned a lot and I feel I'm becoming a better and more mature person already. I'm looking forward to coming back and starting to give everything I have to have the Red Raiders at the top of the leaderboard. What makes this team special is our mutual passion to become better. We are all great friends and we support each other no matter what. We also have great relationships with our coaches and we trust them. It really hurts (the season ending). I feel I was just starting to play better and the guys were on a great run and a huge chance to succeed on Nationals. There are a lot of lessons but the biggest one is that you should appreciate every day like it's the last day, because you never know when everything can be gone in just a single moment. For next year, I'd like to be more patient, work hard, trust the process and believe that I do the right thing. If I do that, good things will come."

Texas Tech University Athletics

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Players Mentioned

Ludvig Aberg

Markus Braadlie

Kyle Hogan

Andy Lopez

Garrett Martin

Sandy Scott

Jansen Smith

Jamie Stewart

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