After a pair of promising outings to commence the 2024-25 campaign, UCF men's golf shifts its focus to the Ironwood Collegiate Classic in Greenville, North Carolina.
Due to the projected weather during the midweek, the tournament has been shifted up with a round set for Sunday, before the final two will play out on Monday.
With a par of 72, the Ironwood Golf & Country Club extends a total of 7,067 yards. The course was built in 1996, but it was only recently introduced for collegiate play.
First-year Knight out of the Czech Republic, Jakub Hejlek, has been a bright spot early on in the season. The sophomore has quickly adjusted to his new environment, finishing 34th and 33rd in his first two tournaments, hoping to be a steady presence for the Black and Gold this year.
Junior Hans Risvaer and sophomore Camden Goldknopf have also shown flashes, boasting the only two under-par rounds in Cincinnati. Their goal will be to find consistency throughout the season to see continued success.
Meanwhile, senior Chase Haygood displayed performances of stability, finishing even in two rounds, beginning his fourth year for the Knights. His ability to consistently hit birdies is one of the reasons he’s had so much success, sinking 24 total in his first six rounds this season.
Junior Clemente Silva looks to get back to his winning ways, finishing seven under par at the Island Resort Collegiate before a difficult weekend at the Bearcat Invitational in Cincinnati. For Silva, last year, his best performances came down the stretch, so the Knights hope to lean on him as the competition stiffens.
The Knights enter the Ironwood Classic with confidence, knowing they’ve enjoyed success in Greenville in years past. UCF placed fourth in the Ironwood Classic and claimed first in the ECU invitational in 2024, giving the program a strong foundation to build on heading into the weekend. In the spring, the Black and Gold were crowned champions at the ECU Intercollegiate, albeit at a different course.
Qualifying
Haygood qualified on his own, with a score of six-under-par. The qualifying requirement for this tournament was even par for the four rounds of qualifying. The final spots were the coach's pick, determined by all the data points provided below.
Lineup
- Jakub Hejlek (Coach's Pick)
- Chase Haygood (Qualified)
- Hans Risvaer (Coach's Pick)
- Clemente Silva (Coach's Pick)
- Camden Goldknopf (Coach's Pick)
- Palmer Haynes (Coach's Pick) - Indiv.