Despite a disappointing showing at the NCAA Championships, the UF men’s golf team had a “dream season” last year, capturing five tournament titles, including the 2011 Southeastern Conference Championship.
But with three key departures, Florida’s rebuilding project will be on display in Chicago today at the Olympia Fields/Fighting Illini Invitational hosted by the University of Illinois.
The three-round tournament is held at Olympia Fields Country Club, on the storied North Course — location of two U.S. Opens. With a length more than 7,000 yards, it’s one of the tougher courses on the Gators’ schedule.
As usual, the field is loaded, featuring five of the nation’s top 10 teams.
“This will definitely be one of the better fields we see and one of our biggest challenges,” coach Buddy Alexander said.
The Gators won last year’s event and finished every round atop the leaderboard.
Alexander said he expects the upperclassmen to move up the ladder and fill the leadership roles left by the departures of Bank Vongvanij, Phillip Choi and Andres Echavarria.
Among them are juniors Tyler McCumber and T.J. Vogel and senior Michael Furci.
McCumber made 91 birdies and finished last year with the fourth-lowest stroke average on the team (73.7).
Vogel, a transfer from Southern California, finished last season with a 73.42 stroke average.
“[T.J.] struggled a little bit last year, but seems to be regaining his confidence,” Alexander said.
“He’s got the talent, he’s got the game and a lot of experience as well.”
The team also added four freshman recruits including J.D. Tomlinson — ranked 10th in the class of 2011 by the American Junior Golf Association — Thomas Stewart, James Monnerville and Eric Banks.
Vogel is set to play No. 1 in the rotation today. Tomlinson, McCumber, Furci and junior Tommy Mou will round out the remainder of the lineup.
Alexander said the Gators are excited to begin the season, but are still keeping everything in perspective.
“There’s always a lot of excitement and energy at the beginning of the year,” he said.
“The real challenge is to try to have that kind of enthusiasm all year long for every tournament. But right now, they’re all fired up and ready to go.”
Gators golf coach Buddy Alexander (left) is tasked with replacing his senior leadership, including standout Bank Vongvanij (right).
