Coming off a home victory, UF returns to Johns Island, South Carolina, today to compete in the Briar’s Creek Invitational.
This is Florida’s first tournament since its home victory on March 6, and with momentum on its side, the team has an opportunity to add to its two-game winning streak.
Today’s tournament is crucial for UF’s post-season goals, as it is one of just two tournaments separating the Gators from Southeastern Conference Championship play in Birmingham, Alabama. However, this invitational holds special significance for the Gators, as it was the only tournament that the team was able to claim first in last season. This year, coach Emily Glaser seeks to repeat their victory.
“Last year, we played in very, very wet conditions so we will most likely see a different golf course this year and have been preparing as such,” Glaser said in a release. “We are hoping to see some fine-tuning of the things we have been working on since the Gator Invitational, and I know the team is excited to compete again.”
In 2015’s tournament, UF ended the first round tied for first, and stayed on top, finishing the tournament two strokes under second place Miami, and 10 strokes under third place Texas Tech.
This year, No. 26 Texas Tech returns, along with six other ranked teams for No. 8 Florida to face on the links.
However, Florida is in a great place for back-to-back victories at the invitational. Finishing their Fall semester with a victory, the Gators went on to win three of four tournaments in spring, finishing third of 16 at the Northrop Grumman Regional Challenge.
UF’s lineup for today’s tournament has four of five Gators returning to Johns Island. Junior Maria Torres, who was named the SEC Golfer of the Week on March 10 after she tied for fifth at the Gator Invitational, tied for 21st at last year’s event. Torres returns with juniors Karolina Vlckova and Kelly Grassel, and sophomore Taylor Tomlinson.
Grassel led the squad last year, finishing second with a collegiate-best 4-under par tournament finish. Vlckova and Tomlinson finished tied for sixth and tied for 12th respectively.
Freshman Sam Wagner rounds out the lineup, replacing then-senior Camilla Hedberg. The Windermere, Florida, native has been part of Florida’s lineup every tournament this season, claiming a scoring average of 73.86.
Florida will play the first and second round today at the par-72, 6,036-yard Golf Club at Briar's Creek, beginning at 8:30 a.m.
Follow Alfredo Morales on Twitter at @amorales_95.
Maria Torres tees off during the 2015 SunTrust Gator Invitational at UF's Mark Bostick Golf Course.
