Murray State University Athletics
NCAA Championship Practice - Racers Test Drive Warren GC
5/19/2010 5:36:00 PM | Men's Golf
The Murray State Racers got their first look at the Warren GC the day before they begin play in the NCAA Men's Golf Championship in Notre Dame, Ind.
The Racers are in the University of Notre Dame Region, one of six that will send five teams each to complete the field at the NCAA Championship Finals June 1-6 in Chattanooga, Tenn. The Racers are seeded 12th in this 14-team field and are shooting to be one of the five teams to advance to the finals.
"This was good to finally see the Warren course and it is very impressive," MSU Head Coach Eddie Hunt said. "This will be a very good test this week, where driving the ball in the fairway will be the most important thing."
The moment was profound and pleasing to witness, when at 8:50 a.m. local time, Cameron Carrico hit the first MSU shot of the day in what is the third NCAA appearance for the program and the first since 1991.
"You talk about some student-athletes enjoying the moment, these guys are," Hunt said. "I feel especially happy for Jared, Nick and Chris. They're our seniors and it was their goal when they came to here to get to the NCAA and they've accomplished it. Now we want to focus in on how we need to play this course and accomplish another goal of getting into the top-5."
If the Racers do advance, they'll again have solid play from all five players.
In winning their second straight Ohio Valley Conference title last month, the Racers will need that kind of effort here this week.
"I think the time we had between the OVC and the NCAA was been good for our guys in that they were able to get through final exams without having to worry about the next event," Hunt added. "Since then, they've had a good couple of weeks practice and we had two play in U.S. Open qualifiers, so I think we'll be sharp."
MSU's first round Thursday begins at the 10th hole with freshman Patrick Newcomb teeing off at 9:10 a.m. ET, followed by senior Chris Griffin at 9:20 a.m. Senior Jared Wolfe begins at 9:30 a.m., with junior Cameron Carrico and senior Nick Newcomb starting at 9:40 a.m. and 9:50 a.m. The Racers, the No. 12 seed, will be paired with No. 10 Indiana and No. 11 Virginia Tech.
The Warren GC is playing to a par of 70 and 7,023 yards.
Pairings for Friday's second round will be determined by scores from the first round.
The weather for the week calls for low temperatures in the 40's and highs in the low to mid 70's with a chance of rain Friday.
