UConn Men’s Golf will host the UConn Invitational next week at GreatHorse.
UConn is coming off a disappointing eighth-place finish in the Doc Gimmler last week. A team score of 30 over in the final round set them back four positions on the leaderboard. Junior Connor Goode made the best finish for Connecticut at No. 20 with nine over. The Huskies will look to right the ship this week on their home course, where they have taken home first place five times.
GreatHorse is widely regarded as one of the best courses in all of New England. This 7,600-yard par-72 design underwent a 50-million-dollar renovation back in 2016 under the supervision of legendary golf course designer Brian Silva.
Last year, in the UConn Invitational at GreatHorse, UConn finished first place overall. Goode finished in first place out of the 78 other participants and was the only player to finish under par in the tournament. Senior Ray Dennehy finished tied for eighth place, going four over. Last year’s Big East Freshman of the Year, Bradley Sawka, made his debut for the Huskies in this event. He earned himself a No. 12 finish at six over par.
Hole eight will be sure to give the field trouble in this event. This is the No. 1 handicapped hole on the course, and for good reason. The par five hole lies 623 yards away from the tee box, while the landing zone on the fairway is riddled with bunkers that will affect golfers missing to the left as well as missing short right. Missing the fairway long and right will plop your shot into the water hazard. Most golfers will need to layup with their following shot and place themselves short of the bunkers that protect the green before making their approach.
The forecast shows decent playing conditions for the first two days of competition. A cool 70 degrees and cloudy skies should keep the field comfortable for their first 36 holes. The third round on Tuesday could present trouble for the competitors, with a chance of rain later in the afternoon, while the temperature takes a slight dip to 67.
The tournament will take place from Sunday, Sept. 29, through Tuesday, Oct. 1, as UConn looks to bring home the title for the second year in a row.