University of Minnesota Athletics
Gopher Invitational Features Strong Field
8/2/2016 12:00:00 AM | Men's Golf
The 2016 Gopher Invitational field looks more like an NCAA postseason tournament than a season-opener. Headlined by the national champion Oregon Ducks, Minnesota's Sept. 10-11 tournament at Windsong Farm GC includes 11 teams who qualified for the 2016 NCAA Tournament. The tournament is free to attend.
Oregon finished sixth in NCAA Championships stroke play this past spring, going on to claim the national crown in the play portion of competition. Another Gopher Invitational team, Oklahoma, also advanced to the match play, losing in quarterfinals. Arkansas and California both played in the NCAA Championships stroke play.
Iowa, Kent State, Michigan State, New Mexico, Pepperdine, San Diego State and Washington played in NCAA Regional tournaments. San Diego State had an individual qualify for the NCAA Championships.
The Gophers also welcome Charlotte, SMU and St. John's (Minn.). Charlotte had an individual selected to NCAA Regionals.
Minnesota returns nine golfers who played last season and one redshirt freshman who will debut this year, and welcomes three new freshmen. Head coach John Carlson is entering his sixth season at the helm of the Gopher golf program, and guided the Maroon and Gold to a Big Ten Championship in 2014.
Windsong Farm GC has been the host of the past three Gopher Invitational tournaments. This year the Gophers will add an individual tournament nearby at Pioneer Creek GC. Both tournaments will feature 36 holes on Sept. 10 and 18 holes on Sept. 11.
There are volunteer opportunities for both the team and individual tournaments. Volunteers receive a tournament t-shirt and meals. Roles include walking scorers, timers and more. For more information please visit gopherinvitational.com.
