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BY JERRY MEADOWS REID P LAYING COMPETITIVE GOLF probably seems awfully lonely at times, but Derek Bard can always count on his brother- like Virginia golf teammates and head coach Bowen Sargent to help him "clear the mechanism," to borrow Kevin Costner's famous words from the baseball movie "For Love of the Game." The pitcher's mound and the tee box are two places where athletes stand alone, noth- ing happening until they release or strike the ball, and with all eyes awaiting that move. Born in Charlottesville and schooled in New Bedford, N.Y., Bard is grateful for all the backing he's received since that day as a child when he first recalls beginning his golf journey. "I picked it up when I was 4," he said. "I stumbled over it, watching my dad, David, and an uncle hit balls in the backyard. I picked up a club and got hooked with it." Other sports were tried and then discarded. "I played hockey through high school, and miss it, but I never had a future in it," Bard said. "Golf has always been the sport that I loved most. … I've always known what I wanted to do. "My family has been great for me; they've supported me in everything I do. My parents are the most influential people in my life, and have had a great effect on me and my growth as a person." His father, David Bard, led St. Anne's Belfield to a state championship in foot- ball in 1992. His mother, Dawn Bard, is a pediatrician who received her medical degree from Virginia — and maybe that was enough to point him to Sargent's program. Being a UVA legacy student just seemed to fit. Either way, Bard is helping to keep the Cavaliers on the collegiate golf map. Bard's stellar 2015-16 includes becoming the first Virginia player to earn a spot on the United States' team for the Arnold Palmer Cup — an annual Ryder Cup-style com- petition between American college golfers and European college/university golfers — June 24-26 at Formby, England. He also was tabbed as one of 30 Division I semifinalists for the Jack Nicklaus Player of the Year award. In addition, he was one of six amateurs — and the only active NCAA player — to participate in The Masters. He finished third among those six, carding a 9-over-par 153 and missing the cut by just three strokes. Despite not qualifying for the final two rounds, Bard is most appreciative of the op- portunity to play in the Masters. "It was a dream come true," he said. "Having all of my family and friends there was something I will never forget; I will cherish it for the rest of my life. "That place is so immaculate, and way too special to not make it back to one day." The support Bard has received at UVA has also been special. "Sarge has been huge for me," Bard said. "He's helped me immensely with my game from the first day I got into Charlottesville. I wouldn't be the player I am today without him. "Doc [volunteer assistant and famed sports psychologist Bob Rotella] has also been huge. We've grown to have a close relationship over the past year or so, and he has taught me how to use my mind as a strength. He's made me mentally tougher." Toughness is a trademark of Bard's ongo- ing wonder year, and the NCAA Regional May 16-18 at Franklin, Tenn., exempli- fied that. He had an off day in the opening round, carding a 5-over 77 while his team- mates kept UVA in contention.