University of Minnesota Athletics
Gophers Open Spring at B1G Match Play
2/8/2017 12:00:00 AM | Men's Golf
Live Scoring | Daily: Golf Teams to Begin Spring Season
Once again, the Golden Gophers will open their spring golf season at the Big Ten Match Play. The tournament will take place Friday, Feb. 10-Saturday, Feb. 11 in Palm Coast, Fla.
Seventh-seeded Minnesota will open the tournament against Nebraska, the 10-seed. The winner will face No. 2 Michigan in a Friday afternoon match, and the loser will move to the round robin portion of the bracket. The Gophers are ready to get back on the course after a three-month break from collegiate completion.
"We certainly have an intensity in practice," head coach John Carlson said. "The guys are motivated, coming off a fall where many of them had great rounds, great tournaments, and our team played well at times. I think our guys were excited to get back out to the golf course. Having practice indoors, I think they're also excited to get back to the competition."
Eleven Big Ten teams will participate in this year's Match Play Championship. Each match will include six players from each team.
"I think the Big Ten Match Play is one of the best tournaments in the country," Carlson said. "It's one that our seniors always remember when they graduate. They look back at that tournament. To kick off the spring with it is great. It gives our conference a leg up to play a match play event under some pressure."
The course: The Big Ten Match Play returns to a familiar venue in Hammock Beach Resort, where the past two tournaments have been held.
"Hammock Beach Resort's one of the nicest resorts that you can play in all of Florida," Carlson said. "With the Conservatory Course, it's a demanding golf course. It's long and it's tight. It certainly presents a big challenge. But playing in match play eases the pressure a little bit."
The travel squad: Thomas Longbella, Justin Doeden, Riley Johnson, Rúnar Arnorsson, William Leaf, Jose Mendez, Peter Jones and Matt Rachey will make the trip to Florida.
"Some of them have earned the right to play in the first match based on practice and the fall," Carlson said. "The others will be in a practice round and we'll see how sharp they are."
Players Mentioned
