Loaded Field Awaits Tech in Opener
September 10, 2008 | Men's Golf
Sept. 10, 2008
LUBBOCK, Texas - How does the old saying go? To be the best, you have to play the best? Texas Tech will put that theory to the test this weekend as the No. 17 Red Raiders compete at the Carpet Capital Collegiate in Rocky Face, Ga., Friday through Sunday. The event includes 15 top 25 teams among the 18-team field, including eight in the top 15.
Every school in the tournament, with the exception of Texas Tech, is from the southeast region of the United States. The 17th-ranked Red Raiders finished ninth in the event last year and ahead of two top 10 programs at the time. Will Griffin paced Texas Tech with a sixth-place finish after shooting 1-under for the three-round event.
In order of rank, the following programs are participating in this year's event: (1) Georgia, (6) Florida, (7) Clemson, (10) Georgia Tech, (12) Tennessee-Chattanooga, (13) South Carolina, (14) East Tennessee State, (15) Wake Forest, (17) Texas Tech, (20) Alabama, (22) Tennessee, (24) UAB, (26) North Carolina, (28) Mississippi State, (30) Mississippi, Auburn, Central Florida and Georgia State.
Texas Tech is quickly carving its niche as one of the country's premier programs under ninth-year head coach Greg Sands. The program has enjoyed NCAA regional play in each of his eight seasons and three NCAA Championships appearances.
Sophomore Chris Ward returns this season to lead the Red Raiders after posting a team-high 72.6 stroke average in the spring. Ward transferred to Tech from Oklahoma State in January and made his mark immediately. Along with current senior Garrett Merrell, the duo finished fourth and third, respectively, at the Big 12 Championships in April. Merrell averaged 73.06 strokes per round last season and started every tournament for the Red Raiders.
Griffin was third with a 73.1 average a year ago, while senior Santiago Rivas carded a 73.2 average on the season. Rounding out the lineup for the first tournament of the year is redshirt freshman Brian Scherer. The Midland, Texas, native is competing in his first collegiate tournament.
The 54-hole tournament will be played at The Farm Golf Club and is hosted by Georgia Tech. Play begins Friday with a round each day through Sunday. Live scoring is available throughout the event at www.golfstat.com.
Players Mentioned
