May 16, 2008
– Junior David Dragoo has worked his way into the No. 4 spot on Georgia Tech’s post-season lineup this spring in his fourth year in the Yellow Jackets’ program. The Scottsdale, Ariz., native shot a 76 Friday in the second round of the NCAA Central Regional in Columbus, Ohio, which is being played at the Ohio State University Scarlet Course.
Dragoo came to Tech from Scottsdale, Ariz., red-shirted his first year, then played in just four events combined during his freshman and sophomore years. Now as a junior, Dragoo is playing in his 10th event this year.
Conditions were more severe this morning, and the course was wet from overnight rain. Did the course play more difficult today?
“It was wet when we teed off, and it was windier and it was cold, so we had all three. It was a little breezier today, coming from a different angle, but it was definitely playing tougher. You don’t get any roll on your drives, and it played a little longer.”
How do you feel about your round today (a 76, two shots better than Thursday)?
“My score was better. I hit it a lot better, but I didn’t feel like I made a lot of putts. I had one birdies. It was a round that could have been a lot lower.”
Did you feel like you managed things better today?
“I did. I kept it on the right side of the hole, and had easier chips. I just couldn’t convert, couldn’t get the ball in the hole.”
You’ve played with the same two players two days in a row. What’s it like going around the course for 36 holes with the same group? Is there much conversation between the players?
“It depends on who you’re playing with, if you know them. Typically, you’re just going about your own business. You’re polite. Playing 36 holes, you probably get to know them well enough to say hello. It’s not like you’re comrades.
“It seems like we get paired with the same teams a lot, so we get to know everybody and get used to them. We probably play with the same eight or nine teams most of the time, and you’re familiar with them.”
When there is conversation, does it stick to golf, or does it ever stray from golf?
“It’s usually golf. Just what’s been going on recently, where we’ve been, what tournaments are good, usually.”
What’s your sense of how to approach tomorrow’s round, knowing you still have ground to make up?
“It’s the same thing. You just go out and try to have a good attitude. The course is going to eat you alive, so you just have to keep putting the ball on the right side of the hole. We don’t do anything different, practice anymore … just try to get it done.”
Do you come away with anything specific from today or yesterday that you want to remember for tomorrow?
“Hole locations. You have a good idea if where they’re going to put them, so you can get a sense of what side is better to hit it on. Having played two rounds (plus practice), you’re more familiar with it. By tomorrow, we should be able to play it as well as we can, knowing where to hit it on holes.”
Do you think back to the final round of the ACC Championship (13-under-par) and wonder if you can produce something like that tomorrow?
“I think we can. We’ve just got to keep doing what we’re doing, I think we’re fine. We just go out and post a good number and see what happens.”
