By Mike Rigell
The BYU men”s golf team has high expectations for the 40th annual Ping Cougar Classic beginning today at Riverside Country Club. The Cougars will host 14 teams on their home course.
“I am excited because this our first tourney at home and that means our family and friends can watch,” senior Kyle Wight said.
The two-day tournament consists of three rounds and a total of 54 holes. Thirty-six holes will be played today and the final round will be played tomorrow beginning at 8 a.m.
The Fresno State Bulldogs, ranked 10th nationally, are favored to win this tournament. However, the Cougars said they feel they have an advantage because they are playing on their home course.
“We are used to playing here and we are comfortable with the course,” Wight said. “All we need to do is go out and play and take care of business. I think the team will do really well if the weather holds up.”
The Cougars said the key to winning this tournament is maintaining focus and not getting distracted by a hometown crowd. .
“We just need to stay focused on the golf course,” Senior Manuel Merizalde said. “If we just play golf the way we know how we will be fine.
The last time BYU captured the Cougar Classic title was in 2000. San Diego State, last year”s champions, will not be present to defend the title at the tournament.
