By By ADAM FISHER / Niles Daily Star
Buchanan senior Nathan Layher is hoping his performance at the Buick Century golf tournament is a preview to the Bucks' upcoming season.
Layher shot two rounds of 78 to take second place in the 17-year-old age group July 29-30 at Pine View Golf Course in Three Rivers.
Though he didn't take first place, Layher beat out about 20 other golfers from around the state, something he hopes to continue when Buchanan's boys' golf team begins play today at the Centreville Invitational.
Last year, Layher missed going to the state finals by one stroke. His biggest personal goal this season is to qualify for state, something his coach said is very possible.
Layher has had many opportunities to work on improving his game this summer. He estimates he has played in 15 tournaments like the Buick Century since school got out.
He's hoping that extra push will put him into state this year. But he also has goals for the team.
Brohman said he wants his players to set their own individual goals, but then come together to create the team goals. The coach's goal for the team, though, is that same as his captain's.
Brohman said he doesn't know what to expect in the conference this season because there are a handful of teams that are bunched together talent-wise.
One advantage Brohman and Layher said Buchanan has is experience. The Bucks return all six varsity golfers from last year's squad.
That experience, combined with what Brohman called preseason events to start the year, should get Buchanan off on the right foot, the coach said.
Once conference play begins Sept. 2, the Bucks have their sights set on Coloma.
As far as the schedule goes, Brohman said his team is looking forward to the conference tournament, which is held at Buchanan's home course this year.