ORLANDO (UCFKnights.com) – UCF head men's golf coach Bryce Wallor is excited about the competition level on his team as they prepare to open the 2016-17 campaign this weekend at the Wolf Run Intercollegiate in Zionsville, Ind.
"For me, this has been a real exciting start to the year," Wallor said Tuesday afternoon. "We've got a lot of talent here. I'm really impressed with the guys who have come on to campus this year. We've got a freshman (Bobby Bai) leading the way in qualifying with a round to go. We've got a senior coming off a shoulder injury (Ryan Stovash) right up there at the top. We've got some guys who have been with us and played for two or three years, who are doing a good job. It's much more competitive playing for those lineup spots than it has ever been. As a coach, you love to see that."
The Wolf Run Intercollegiate will boast a strong field, including two preseason Top 25 teams in Illinois (No. 3) and Kentucky (No. 25). UCF hasn't taken part in this tournament since 2010, so it will be new to the Knights who will need to play the course. However, their mentor was coaching the team the last time they took part in the event. That season, UCF finished tied for second and Connor Arendell took individual medalist honors.
"My first couple years here, we played at Wolf Run," Wallor said. "So, the coaching staff knows it. We do have a player on our team, who has played there before. We had an individual champion at the tournament before. We've played OK as a team, so we know what we're looking at. We know the preparation. We know the golf course. It's a very good field, so we're excited to go back and be part of the event."
While Wallor said it was too early to single out any of his golfers, he said different members of the squad have been leading in different ways.
"I've seen a lot of good leadership from a lot of different guys in different areas," the head coach remarked. "I've seen team text messages reminding young guys 'Hey, you've got to be doing this stuff.' I've seen guys going out to practice in groups. We have a couple quiet leaders, who just go about things and lead by example. We've got a couple guys who have been reminding young guys about stuff, which is great to see. The less they have to hear it from me and the more they hear it internally, I think that helps."
The season kicks off Saturday with 36 holes. The 14 teams will then tee it up for a single round of 18 holes on Sunday. Wolf Run Golf Course will play at 7,155 yards and par will be 71 for this event.