The Gators are about to face one of their toughest tests this year.
After earning three top-three team finishes in the regular season, Florida, ranked No. 11 by golfweek.com, opens the Southeastern Conference Championship in St. Simons Island, Ga., on Friday.
“This sounds kind of strange to say, but we’re healthy,” coach Buddy Alexander said. “We got our boy, T.J. (Vogel), back from the Masters. We didn’t play with T.J. two weeks ago at the (Gary Koch Invitational) so no excuses, ready to go. Time to put it together, and I honestly believe we’re going to play well down the stretch.”
The SEC Championship is coming at an opportune time for the Gators, who are healthy for the first time this season.
Vogel struggled to play his best after undergoing sports hernia surgery in winter. Senior captain Tyler McCumber had the flu earlier in the year, freshman A.J. Crouch had mono, and sophomore Eric Banks underwent open-heart surgery during the summer.
But the group has rounded into form entering the playoffs.
Vogel’s play will be critical to Florida’s title hopes. The Gators last won the conference championship in 2010-11.
“Well, you know, we expanded the SEC this year so Missouri and Texas A&M will be there, but other than that everybody else has that same familiarity (with the course),” Alexander said.
“If you’ve got a veteran team and they’ve played there for a long time, obviously, then that can help you a little bit.”
Florida is the No. 2 seed in the tournament.
Alexander hopes the Gators will receive an early tee time and avoid the wind that comes at Seaside Golf Club.
Senior T.J. Vogel eyes his shot during the SunTrust Gator Invitational at Mark Bostick Golf Course on Sunday. Vogel is back with the Gators after competing in The Masters.
