Deacon strives to keep his players on track

GAINESVILLE — JC Deacon’s favorite place on earth this time of year is now off limits due to coronavirus.

Barricades and no-trespassing warnings block the entrance of the parking lot at UF’s Mark Bostick Golf Course.

The Florida men’s coach cannot go to his office or the practice range. Deacon has no team to coach or course to play, anyway.

Each day, the 37-year-old wonders whether his players have enough direction without school and golf filling their days.

“I really worry about my guys,” Deacon said. “I love the routine and structure we get them into. They’re automatic when they’re here. They get their things done. They’re on time; they do the right things. They’re working hard. We see them every day.

“It’s just such a healthy, productive atmosphere.”

The spread of the coronavirus stopped the Gators in their tracks and sent them off in different directions.

When the virus is finally contained and his team returns to campus, Deacon hopes to build off what had been a promising season. Before the NCAA canceled all spring sports, UF looked well positioned to be a factor in the postseason and reach the eight-team match-play portion of the NCAA Tournament for the first time during Deacon’s six seasons.

The Gators appeared poised to get there two years ago and again in 2016 before coming up short. But Deacon has not had a one-two punch like Ricky Castillo and John Axlesen at the top of his lineup.

Castillo, a freshman from Southern California, kicked off the season with back-toback wins. On Feb. 16, he became the first UF golfer to win the Gator Invitational since 2011. Axlesen finished second and third during Castillo’s wins.

Castillo and Axlesen are among 10 finalists for the 2020 Haskins Award, given to the player of the year in college men’s golf, as selected by golfers, coaches and members of the college golf media.

“I thought we had the best two players in the whole country,” Deacon said. “When you can have two guys at the top of your lineup who are so good, it just makes you incredibly dangerous. I was really looking forward to a postseason run with those boys, I’m not going to lie.

“It was hard when this all came to an end. But at the same time I completely understand and there’s bigger things going on out there.”

Deacon spends his days with his wife and two children, ages 5 and 2. Quite a player in his own right, Deacon twice shot a course