The Auburn men's golf team has an optimistic mindset for the upcoming UCF Gator Invitational, the first tournament of spring.The Gator Invitational will be on Saturday and Sunday in Gainesville at the University of Florida's course.
Senior Kyle Kopsick said the long winter break made everyone eager to play in the Gator Invitational.
"Everyone's really excited to get back at it," Kopsick said. "We're just trying to get back into the swing of everything since we've had such a long time off."
After the men's team placed second in last year's spring tournament, Kopsick said there is a good chance Auburn will place again, but Florida's home-course advantage presents an inevitable challenge to Auburn and the other teams.
"We played very well on it last year, but Florida obviously has a huge advantage since they're playing on a course that they play on pretty much everyday," Kopsick said.
Senior Will McCurdy believes home-course advantage will weigh the odds in Florida's favor.
"There's no sport even close to golf when it comes to home-course advantage, considering there's not a regulation sized golf course," McCurdy said. "Every course is different."
Despite Florida placing first last year and their familiarity with the tournament course, both players agreed Auburn's team has grown and poses a serious threat to Florida's title.
"We gave them a good run last year," McCurdy said. "We came up just short, so we're really looking to try and win it this year. I think if anyone can beat them, we can."
Jackson Beindorf, a redshirt junior, is set to play in the tournament. Beindorf is determined to see Auburn take first place this year.
"Florida always has a solid team at the Gator Invitational," Beindorf said. "They undoubtedly have the home-course advantage thing going for them, but we just need to focus on our team, and not let any team or course advantage set the stage for how we play."
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