After the loss of graduate Nate McCoy, a 2012 All-American and Iowa State’s 2012 Male Athlete of the Year, the men’s golf team is ready to rebuild and push toward a championship.

With seven returning players, the team has the experience needed to bring wins home from the course.

Among the returning players is Sam Daley, a sophomore from Australia whose stroke average ranked third on the team last year. Following his freshman season, Daley has been practicing on pieces still missing from his game.

“Most is my putting and wedge game,” Daley said. “If I could start putting well, then I’d be able to place better in the tournaments. I’d like to win an event or more and have at least five top ten [finishes].”

Also returning is sophomore Scott Fernandez, who set a record last year with the best rookie season in ISU history. 

Fernandez, who comes from Granada, Spain, was also recently selected to represent his home country in the World Amateur Tournament.

“Scott Fernandez and Sam Daley are poised to have great years,” said assistant coach Patrick Datz.

Now with experience under their belts at the collegiate level, the two will be expected to lead the team through the season.

Coach Andrew Tank is also confident about the upcoming season. 

In addition to making improvements from last year, another goal will be to return to the NCAA tournament and regional finals.

A captain of Minnesota’s 2002 NCAA championship team, Tank sees similarities between his former team and this ISU golf program.

“You’ve got to have a group of guys that’s committed to working hard,” Tank said.

Working on player development, Tank said he plans to continue to bring techniques used by his former coach, Brad James.

“I’ve kind of used that same coaching style at Iowa State,” Tank said. 

“Focusing on the long-term development of the guys in the classroom, weight room and the course.”

He hopes to give his players a “long-term view of their game.”

Looking forward to the Northern Intercollegiate, the team will meet to set goals this week.

“Making a national championship is always a massive [goal],” Daley said.