FULLERTON, Calif. - FullertonTitans.com caught up with Cal State Fullerton men's golf head coach Jason Drotter as he prepares for the upcoming spring portion of the schedule and reflects on the team's progression thus far into the season.
Fullerton's men's team will open the spring at the Arizona Intercollegiate beginning on Monday, in Tucson, Ariz., hosted by the University of Arizona.
Along with Microsemi Corporation, other corporate sponsors CoreLogic, Emulex, team player's sponsor Jeff Van Hart, and invited guests will highlight a fund-raising amateur tournament that will take place on Feb. 2 at the Black Gold Golf Club in Yorba Linda, Calif.
FullertonTitans.com: We've reached the halfway point in the season, what's your take on the team's performance thus far?
Jason Drotter: Given the talent that we have, we've definitely underperformed dramatically. I feel very positive moving forward and I think that we can get things straightened out and play at the level that we are capable of.
FT: The squad this season is a bit young after losing three key seniors from a year ago. Who are you relying on for leadership down the stretch?
JD: We look to our seniors Ryan (Tetrault) and Josh (Park) to really lead the team as they have shown that they can compete at a championship level and be successful. I think both of them are primed to have a very strong spring.
FT: What areas of improvement would you like to see from your team?
JD: We need to improve in all areas. We'll have a special emphasis on driving, wedge play and putting, those areas have been weak. We definitely need to show progression in all areas on the golf course.
FT: As we head into the spring portion of the schedule, the Titans will once again host the Folino Invitational at the Industry Hills Golf Club in City of Industry, Calif., after clinching the championship for the first time in program history last year. What are your thoughts on hosting this premier event?
JD: It's always the highlight of the spring for this program and it's nice to play on your own golf course and have a bunch of high profile teams come out for the event. It will give us a chance to see how we measure up against them. It's a fun event and I'm really looking forward to it.
FT: Are there any key tournaments that you look forward to ahead of the Big West Championships?
JD: All of our spring tournaments are very good. The Arizona Intercollegiate to open the spring has a very strong field on a good golf course. We're playing at Chambers Bay (Redhawk Invitational) this year where the U.S. Open will take place which will be a really good test of golf with a competitive field as well. The tournament hosted by UC Davis (El Macero Classic) will also give us a chance to evaluate our squad prior to the conference event. It's a pretty good schedule and we look to have a good spring.
FT: The conference championships will take place at the SLO Country Club in San Luis Obispo, Calif. What type of challenges will the Titans have to overcome in order to post a successful showing?
JD: We certainly have to get better, that's the key. We have to get much stronger and show that we can compete on the course prior to even going to the championship. The golf course in San Luis Obispo is a strong home course advantage, it's a little tricky and it's a good track. In order for us to compete there we have to be going into it in good form and play our best to be competitive.
