The IU men's golf team is staying in state this week to take e part in the Chatham Hills Intercollegiate on Sunday and Monday in Westfield, Indiana.
The 11-school competition will feature the entire IU men’s golf team roster, with senior Trevor Ranton and sophomore Evan Yakubov making their first appearances since IU's opener a month ago.
Of the teams participating, Purdue, Northwestern and Marquette are the teams IU Coach Mike Mayer said are going compete the hardest against his IU team.
The Hoosiers finished above the Boilermakers in the Fighting Illini Invitational earlier this season and tied them in the Windon Memorial because of a player disqualification in the third round. IU also faced Northwestern and Marquette at the Windon Memorial, as Northwestern finished ninth and Marquette won the event.
“I think rankings-wise those are the top three teams and we are about fourth,” Mayer said.
Mayer said he still thinks IU can pull off a win at the par-72 course, which is called the Club at Chatham Hills.
“We feel comfortable playing this golf course,” Mayer said. “I think we can compete for a title there if we play the way we are capable of playing.”
As for the starting lineup, it’s the usual suspects for IU. Senior Jake Brown, junior Brock Ochsenreiter, sophomore Ethan Shepherd and freshman Mitch Davis are going to represent the Hoosiers while the fifth spot is up for grabs.
The team will be having qualifying rounds Friday and Saturday at Chatham Hills to decide who will be playing in that fifth spot. Mayer will have to decide between junior Evan Gaesser, freshman Harry Reynolds, Ranton and Yakubov.
Senior and co-captain Jack Sparrow will not be participating because of a wrist injury he sustained at the Fighting Illini Invitational.
“I think they all have a lot to gain from this experience and opportunity,” Mayer said.
