While students are looking forward to the relaxation that comes with the end of the semester, the No. 5 UF men's golfers are looking forward to the end of school for a different reason.
To them, late April means one thing: the postseason.
With only two events remaining in the regular season, the Gators must make the most of their last two tournaments.
The team travels to Statesboro, Ga., to play in the Chris Schenkel E-Z-Go Invitational today, the first of those last two events.
"The challenge for us is to keep improving and play well," coach Buddy Alexander said. "We have to try to focus on the little things, on where we might improve, rather than just going up there with the sole goal of winning the golf tournament," he said.
Creativity and decision-making on the course are two of the key areas Alexander said his team must correct before the season ends.
UF's previous two tournaments featured some of the top competition in the country. However, in this event, UF will be the top-ranked team participating.
"I think our kids are going up there with the idea that we have a pretty legitimate chance to win the golf tournament," Alexander said.
Senior Billy Horschel added to his coach's statement, saying that his team does not want to settle with a top-five national ranking.
"People can say we are playing well, but what we want to do here in Florida is win tournaments," Horschel said.
The five golfers that will play for UF this weekend are Horschel, Tim McKenney, Will Strickler, Tyson Alexander and Mu Hu.
After finishing in fourth place as an individual in this tournament last season, Horschel said the course does not look like a tough one, but it has the potential to sneak up on people.
That gives the Gators two things to watch out for: They must not overlook the golf course or the other teams this weekend.
Instead, UF will attempt to use this tournament as a stepping stone to their ultimate goal: a national championship.
