When Jesse Speirs of Bangor steps to the tee Thursday, the sophomore at Texas Christian University will be competing in his first postseason NCAA men’s golf tournament, but he won’t be treating it that way.

“It’s still golf,” he said Tuesday. “I’m not trying to put any extra pressure on myself.

“Every tournament you play in makes the next one easier.”

He has two sources for his calm demeanor.

“I’ve been working harder on my game,” he said.

And he’s working with a sports psychologist.

“I’m trying to stay focused on each shot and have a solid shot routine,” Speirs said.

Veteran TCU coach Bill Montigel has noticed.

“In the last tournament of the fall, Jesse was not playing well, but it was a blessing in disguise,” said Montigel.

That’s when Speirs started working with the psychologist.

“They’re available to everybody,” said Montigel. “[Speirs] went and took advantage of it.”

Speirs started playing better and his results were, too.

“I see a difference not only from last year to this, but from fall to spring,” said Montigel. “He has had an outstanding spring.”

Speirs nearly redshirted this year to work on his game but eventually decided to play.

“I had no doubt when I saw him as a junior golfer that he had the potential to be a great college golfer,” said Montigel. “I think it took Jesse about a year and a half [to get acclimated]. It clicks at a different point for everybody.”

Speirs posted his best varsity tournament finish when he tied for sixth in the Mountain West Conference championships at 2-under-par 211 with rounds of 72-67-72. TCU finished third.

He has trimmed his season stroke average from 76.83 in four events last year to 73.76 in 12 events this year.

“He’s a little more mature now,” said Montigel. “He’s able to take some of those big numbers out of his game.”

The Horned Frogs, 31st in the latest Golfweek/Sagarin rankings, are seeded ninth out of 27 teams in the NCAA Central Regional to be held at Rich Harvest Farms Golf Club in Sugar Grove, Ill.

The top 10 teams from each of the three regionals advance to the NCAA championships May 30-June 2 at the Golden Horseshoe Golf Club Golf Course in Williamsburg, Va.

“We have a pretty strong group of guys,” said Speirs, “and if we all play the way we can, nobody can stop us.”

Sugarloaf updates

The second hole at Sugarloaf Golf Club has already been updated and the 11th will be during the season, according to a press release the club as it nears opening day of May 25.

The approach to the second hole, a 563-yard downhill par-5, has been rebuilt to improve drainage.

The tee areas on No. 11, a 216-yard downhill par-3 over the South Branch of the Carrabassett River and the club’s signature hole, will be expanded to help maintain turf quality throughout the season.

Also, the club has scheduled its Tin Mountain Roundup for June 1-4. Golfers who bring at least three canned food items can play for $40, including cart.

Tournament adds division

The Bar Harbor Bank & Trust Open has added men’s and women’s senior divisions for players age 55 or older for this year’s tournament, scheduled for June 2-3 at Bar Harbor Golf Course in Trenton and Northeast Harbor Golf Club.

The popular event, in its 16th year, raises money for Maine Coast Memorial Hospital in Ellsworth. This year, the net proceeds – which organizers hope will reach at least $25,000 – will go toward new patient transport units and other emergency department gear.

The entry fee is $85, $60 of which is a tax deductible.

For a tee time, more information, or to volunteer, call the Maine Coast Memorial Hospital Development Office at 664-5337 or register online at www.mainehospital.org.

Dave Barber can be reached at 990-8170, 1-800-310-8600, or by e-mail at dbarber@bangordailynews.net.