By Tom Zulewski

Villanova Media Relations

VILLANOVA, Pa.- The Villanova golf team had two new faces last weekend at the Turning Stone Tiger Intercollegiate in Verona, N.Y.

Freshmen Andrew Bowyer and Peter Richards made their collegiate debuts with Bowyer shooting a 239 over three rounds, and Richards shooting a 256.

Bowyer, who competed as an individual, finished T-73rd overall. Richards placed 85th overall while Villanova as a whole finished 12th out of 15 teams.

Bowyer was a four-year letter winner in golf at Summit High School, and three-year captain and MVP. He was selected to the 2014 New Jersey First-Team All-State team, and finished tied for third in 2014 NJSIAA Golf Tournament of Champions.

Villanova.com recently caught up with the Summit, N.J. native to see why he chose to be a Wildcat, and to get his thoughts on the game of golf.

Villanova.com: Why did you choose to attend Villanova University?
Andrew Bowyer: "Academics played a huge factor in my decision, and I know I will get a top notch education at Villanova. Additionally, Coach Wilkes is awesome and I knew since my first visit that I would want to spend four years with him and the rest of the team."

What are your short term goals heading into the season? "This season I want to develop a schedule and routine that I can stick to for the next four years. If I diligently follow my schedule and stick to a process, I know I will see results both on the course and in the classroom."

What is your favorite high school golf memory? "My junior season I finished tied for third in the New Jersey Tournament of Champions with a 73 at Hopewell Valley Golf Club. So many of my friends from junior golf were in the field, so it was nice to play a solid round and have a chance of beating them all and winning."

Do you feel prepared to make the transition from high school to college? "I am trying hard to stay focused and organized as I make the transition to college. As an athlete, I know my schedule will be very busy in college, and I am prepared to take on the challenge."

Who is your favorite golfer and who do you model your game after? "Russell Henley is my favorite player. He is one of the best putters in the world, and every day I dream about putting like he does."

What is your favorite golf course that you ever played on? "My brother, father, grandfather, and I took a golf trip to Ireland this past summer and played some really fun courses. I particularly liked Murvagh Golf Links at Donegal Golf Club because it was so unique and challenging."

What is your favorite aspect about the game of golf? "I love how social golf can be. Because of this, playing a five hour round of golf is always fun, regardless of how I am playing."

What are some of your favorite activities away from the course? "I am really into bowling, watching basketball, playing pick-up basketball, and playing the guitar. Those four activities pretty much consume all of my free time off the course."