MCC golf set for Battle on the Pond

The Meridian Community College golf team will face NJCAA Div II power, John A. Logan (IL) College for the inaugural “Battle on the Pond” on Thursday and Friday.

The event will feature two of the more successful programs in all of NJCAA golf in a two day, ‘Ryder Cup’ style contest held at Goose Pond Golf Course, site of the NJCAA DII men’s golf championship.

As member of the NJCAA DII men’s golf program, John A Logan is one of the top performing teams in the country. The Volunteers have won five of the past seven Region 24 Tournament titles and qualified for seven consecutive appearances in the NJCAA National Tournament. Never finishing lower than sixth at nationals, Logan’s best showing came in 2004 when it placed second. Logan has produced the last five individual Region 24 Tournament medalists, and five Volunteers have earned All-American honors.

A longtime member of the NJCAA DII and now a NJCAA DI program, Meridian, likewise, is considered one of the best teams in the nation. The Eagles have won 11 Region 23 titles since 1991, including six out of the last eight seasons. MCC has qualified for the NJCAA National Tournament multiple times, claiming four top five finishes, including a second place finish in 1998. MCC has produced eight Region 23 medalists, and 15 Eagles have earned All American honors.

“This is a great, one of a kind event between two solid programs,” said MCC coach Sean Covich.

“We’ll play on a fun golf course in a unique format- the guys have been talking about this one for a while and are looking forward to it.”

Thursday morning will feature a true alternate shot format with two players from each school paired up against two from the other school as they play one ball, alternating who hits the shot.

Friday will feature a morning and afternoon session. In the morning, the schools with pair up again for four-ball matches and then in the afternoon feature six singles matches.

Each match is worth three points (one point for best front nine score, one point for best back nine score and one point for best overall score).

36 points total are up for grabs with 18 ½ needed to win the inaugural, Battle on the Pond.