After coming back from a trip to Phoenix, Ariz., the men’s golf team is aiming for a strong performance on Saturday at their third spring invitational at Illinois Wesleyan University .
Senior Tanner Obal said the team went to Arizona in February to hone their skills and give the team a strong edge for their spring season.
“It was nice to go Phoenix over the spring break. We were able to have a jump start for the spring season while it was snowing here.” Obal said. “Since we were able to practice, it helped us to get ahead our competition.”
Taking a look at the team this year, men’s golf head coach Paul Del Vecchio said he is optimistic for the spring season.
“This year, we have three seniors: Tanner Obal, Eric Swanson and Michael Jacobs. Those three guys led the team through four years and have done a great job,” Del Vecchio said.
This past weekend, the team competed in Galesburg, Illinois at the Prairie Fire Classic. They finished eighth out of 19 teams, whereas last year, they finished sixth out of seven teams. Junior Gabe Askam led the way for the Vikings by shooting 155, which was 11 over par.
Along with the seniors, Obal said he could see a lot improvements come on the team, especially from the underclassmen.
“It’s been really nice to see the freshman improve,” Obal said. “A lot of seniors have really been improving, and it has been nice to have our top five improve because they really impact our play.”
The team is excited for more than just the Illinois Wesleyan invite this season and want to tune their game to be ready for the CCIW tournament on May 4.