The Illinois State mens golf team will look to senior Brian Anderson to lead the way as they prepare for a long weekend of golf with back-to-back tournaments. The Birds start in Patterson, Calif., at the Diablo Creek Intercollegiate March 26 and 27, and then compete in the Stevinson Ranch Invitational March 29 and 30 in Turlock, Calif.
The Stevinson Ranch Invitational is one of the most challenging tournaments of the season, and head coach Harland Kilborn is looking to give his players an edge by competing in the Diablo Creek Intercollegiate.
Back-to-back tournaments is something new, Kilborn said. We are going to use the Diablo Creek Intercollegiate to prepare for the Stevinson Ranch Invite.
In addition to Anderson, Kyle Vasel, Matt Maskel, Denny Bull and Kris Wildenradt will compete in the two tournaments. The combination of a spring trip and warmer weather has given the players a chance to experience quality practice time, which is something they have not had since fall.
We had a great spring trip, and the guys have been playing in tough conditions and still putting up low scores, Kilborn said. I think the guys are going to be peaking at just the right time.
Missouri Valley Conference foe Drake will host the Diablo Creek Intercollegiate. The Stevinson Ranch Invitational, hosted by Colorado, will include 10 teams that are ranked in the top 100 by Golfweek/Golf Stat. Teams competing from the Midwest include Kansas, Kansas State, Wichita State and Missouri.
The Stevinson Ranch Invitational is one of the strongest fields of the year, Kilborn said. It is one of the most important tournaments of the season and a great course.
The 108 holes of competitive golf will begin on Friday with a double shot gun, then a single shotgun on Saturday for the Diablo Creek Intercollegiate. The Stevinson Ranch Invitational will have an 8 a.m. double shot gun on Monday and the conclusion of play will begin with an 8 a.m. shotgun on Tuesday.
