Michigan State University Athletics
Men's Golf Team Prepares for First Spring Tournament
3/5/2004 12:00:00 AM | Men's Golf
March 5, 2004
EAST LANSING, Mich. - The men's golf team will spend its break in Orlando honing their games and preparing for the first tournament of the spring season. The week of preparation culminates with the Conrad Rehling Alabama Spring Invitational March 12-14.
Coach Mark Hankins said the practice time in Florida is important in getting his team ready to compete after a four-month break. "Our week will consist of long hours of short game practice and getting acclimated to the pressures of competition," Hankins said.
Despite the winter layoff, Hankins is not concerned about his team's readiness. "I'm confident that each of our guys has worked hard to ensure that they are ready for the spring season," Hankins said.
In addition, Hankins said that their mental game will prove equally as important as their physical condition. "If they can stay focused, their physical shape and swings will hold up," Hankins said.
The 54-hole Alabama Spring Invitational will be held at the par-71, 6,996 yard Capstone Club in Tuscaloosa, Ala., with teams playing 18 holes each day. Hankins said that he is happy with the format because it allows the team to practice in the afternoon following their rounds.
"They are excited to get back out and compete to win," Hankins said on the team's return to competitive golf. Despite the excitement, Hankins said that relaxing and playing within themselves is key to a good performance.
In last year's tournament, the Spartans shot a 302-290-299-880, good for seventh out of 13 teams. This year's field consists of Alabama, UAB, Kent State, Kentucky, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, North Florida, Notre Dame, Toledo and Tulane. Reigning champion Auburn is not competing this year.
