After a runner-up finish in its last tournament, the No. 2 Florida men’s golf team will tee off today in the opening rounds of the Valspar Collegiate in Palm City.
The winner of the individual contest will earn an exemption to play in the PGA Tour’s Valspar Championship in 2017, which coach J.C. Deacon said will provide an incentive for his team this week.
"It’s a really nice, little perk for the guys, so I know they have a little bit extra motivation," Deacon said. "I know we’re gonna try hard, and work hard, and play right, and it’s worked all year long, so I don’t see why it won’t again."
The event, held at the 7,114-yard Floridian Golf Club, will feature 15 teams. The Gators are one of nine teams ranked in the top 20, including No. 1 Illinois, No. 4 Texas, No. 8 Clemson and No. 9 Florida State.
Florida is eyeing its second win of the Spring season after finishing in the top three in consecutive events.
The Gators last competed in the Valspar during the 2013-14 season, finishing second to last in the event in what would be former coach Buddy Alexander’s final season with the team.
Deacon said the team has done a great job of managing the expectations and frustrations that come with close calls in tournaments. He said his team is keeping the bigger picture in mind.
"I think everyone realizes how special of a team we can be," Deacon said. "We just gotta keep going out there and take care of business."
The Gators will play 36 holes in Round 1 of the two-day event. Sam Horsfield will open up things for the Gators’ five-man lineup.
"I’ve been hitting it good, so hopefully (I) have another good week," Horsfield said. "I kinda just try and go with it. I think that my game is in good shape right now, but, you know, golf’s a crazy sport. Anything can happen on any day of the week."
The freshman is coming off a victory at the Southern Highlands Intercollegiate in Las Vegas, the second victory of his young career. Following his win, Horsfield was also tabbed Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Week for his third SEC accolade of the year.
The rest of the Gators’ lineup will include freshman Jorge Garcia, freshman Kyler Tate, senior Richard Donegan and redshirt junior A.J. Crouch. Donegan, who played in the Valspar in 2014, has not made an appearance in the lineup all season. His last competitive round was at the SunTrust Gator Invitational on Feb. 21 where he competed as an individual.
"I wanted to reward his commitment, and his work ethic, and his dedication to the team," Deacon said about inserting Donegan into the lineup. "He’s a great kid, and he’s worked hard, and he deserves this chance, so I’m really excited to see what he can do."
Deacon said his team is ready and excited for the challenge to compete against another stacked field. The Gators will need more than just Horsfield if they are to capture their second victory of the season.
"It’s another good test, and we’re gonna go and have a nice little trip and enjoy it," he said. "I’m looking forward to it."
Contact Ray Boone at rboone@alligator.org and follow him on Twitter @rboone1994.
Sam Horsfield hits a shot during Round 2 of the SunTrust Gator Invitational on Feb. 21, 2016, at the Mark Bostick Golf Course.
