Senior golf captain Ross Pilliod enters his final season   

Senior golf captain, Ross Pilliod, enters his last year on Hawk Hill hoping to bring home tournament victories.

Pilliod is in a unique situation compared to the vast majority of Division 1 golfers. He didn’t pick up the game until his senior year of high school.

Most golfers who compete at such a high level spend years on the course perfecting their craft. Pilliod on the other hand, picked up the game less than a year before trying out for the team and has found himself excelling against high level competition.

“I figured I would simply try my luck and see how it goes,” Pilliod said.

Pilliod ended up beating the entirety of the team during his walk-on tryout back in 2015 and went from a walk-on freshman to one of the team’s senior leaders.

Pilliod said his favorite aspect of golf is the beauty of the game. 

“If you are playing a nice course and you’re outside on a beautiful day, it’s simply the best game out there,” Pilliod said.

Pilliod understands how to shift his focus and make the big shots when needed.

“When I am not hitting the ball great, I’ll just go to the range and do a couple drills,” Pilliod said. “Golf is just a game of making adjustments to your swing and when you are not on top of your game, a change needs to be made.”

Pilliod said there are aspects of his game that need to be improved upon as the Hawks begin their season.

“I just need to hone down those wayward shots,” Pilliod said. It’s all about getting everything compacted together.”

Head Coach, Bob Lynch, said Pilliod is a phenomenal leader and a reliable player on the course.

“Ross’ leadership skills are as good as it gets,” Lynch said. “Not only is he a great player, he also has the other guys follow and listen to him.”

Lynch also discussed how Pilliod contributes in every match.

“He hits the ball straight and far; that is all you need,” Lynch said. “He has been a contributor since day one.”

Pilliod has a close relationship with his teammates. He said they’re like his brothers.

“The team comradery is awesome and it’s like a true brotherhood,” Pilliod said.

Pilliod said his goal for the year is to go out with a bang. He wants to make himself and his teammates better golfers.

The Hawks are looking for a successful year, as they landed a third place finish at the Cornell Invitational on Sept. 15-16.

“It’s only going to get better from here,” Pilliod said.