Sept. 17, 2014
By Michelle Hantak, Mizzou Student Assistant
2014-15 Mizzou Statistics | Tournament Information | Live Stats
Columbia, Mo. - After beginning the season with its third consecutive victory at the Turning Stone Intercollegiate, Mizzou Golf heads to Kingston Springs, Tenn., to compete in the DICK'S Sporting Goods Collegiate Challenge Cup, Sept. 19-21.
The DICK'S Sporting Goods Collegiate Challenge Cup is one of the more unique events the Tigers will participate in this season as it pits two of the best college golf conferences, the SEC and ACC, against each other in match play. Thirteen of the 25 teams that competed in the 2014 NCAA Championship were members of either conference. The event begins with a 54-hole stroke play event and concludes with an 18-hole match play event. During the tournament's inaugural year in 2013, Georgia won the team title and the SEC defeated the ACC in match play.
The event will once again be played at The Golf Club of Tennessee on a 7,184 yard, par-71 course. Other teams competing for the SEC include Georgia, Ole Miss, South Carolina, Texas A&M and Vanderbilt, while Clemson, Duke, Georgia Tech, Louisville, NC State and Virginia will represent the ACC.
Ryan Zech will lead the Tigers at the DICK'S Sporting Goods Collegiate Challenge Cup. The 2014 All-American opened his senior season with an individual victory at the Turning Stone Intercollegiate.
Sophomore Euan Walker tied for fourth at the Turning Stone Intercollegiate, giving him three top-10 finishes on his young career. Last season, Walker was the first freshman to compete in every event for Mizzou since standout Jace Long in 2009-10.
Columbia native Wilson Sundvold will go third for the Tigers. Sundvold is off to the best start of his Mizzou career as he tied for second at the Turning Stone Intercollegiate. With this placing, Sundvold established a new career-best finish.
Freshman Luigi Botta qualified into his second tournament in as many tries. The native of Cueno, Italy, tied for fourth with Sundvold at the Turning Stone Intercollegiate in his Missouri debut.
Jacob Fair rounds out the Tiger lineup. Fair competed in the Turning Stone Intercollegiate as an individual finishing in a tie for 38th. Fair redshirted the 2013-14 season and worked hard to be competition ready for this season.
The event is free to spectators Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and gates will open 30 minutes prior to the first tee time. Spectator carts will not be allowed as spectators are expected to walk on cart paths during the event. For attendees looking to enhance their tournament experience, a hospitality package is available for purchase that includes hospitality for all three days of the event and an invitation to the Celebration Dinner and Match Play Pairings Party at the world-renowned Loveless Barn. More information on attending the event or purchasing hospitality passes can be found on the event's website at DSGCollegiateChallenge.com.
The Golf Club of Tennessee is located approximately a mile and a half south of I-40 West (exit 188) in Kingston Springs. From any location in Nashville, take I-40 West toward Memphis. Take exit 188 and turn left (south) on Luyben Hills Road. Proceed up the hill on Luyben Hills Road for approximately ¾ of a mile. At the split in the road, veer right onto CC Road and proceed until you see a black wooden rail fence on the left. Turn left through the bricked entrance and bear right through the security gate. Spectator parking will be located off of the main drive, with shuttle service to the Clubhouse and golf course.
The Tigers are set to tee off at 7 a.m. CT Friday where they will play 36 holes of continuous golf. Live scoring will be available at golfstat.com.
About the Nashville Sports Council:
The Nashville Sports Council is a private, non-profit, membership-based organization of area corporations and individual sports enthusiasts. Created in 1992, the Nashville Sports Council's mission is to positively impact the economy and quality of life of the Greater Nashville Area by attracting and promoting professional and amateur sporting events. The Nashville Sports Council has hosted hundreds of major sporting events that have produced more than half a billion dollars in direct economic impact for the region. For more information call 615.743.3120 or visit NashvilleSports.com. Follow the Nashville Sports Council on Facebook and Twitter.
About The Golf Club of Tennessee:
Tom Fazio's The Golf Club of Tennessee was created by and for the serious golf enthusiast. It encompasses 317 acres of rolling land nestled in the hills of Kingston Springs, Tennessee. The Golf Club opened for play in March of 1991 and was renovated in spring of 2007. Since its inception, The Golf Club has garnered high praises by the local and national golf world including being awarded "Runner-Up Best New Private Course for 1991" by Golf Digest and ranking among "America's 50 Greatest Golf Retreats" in 2007 by Golf Digest Index. With its stunning views and peaceful surroundings, The Golf Club of Tennessee has come to be regarded as a true Tennessee masterpiece.
For tournament updates and more information on Mizzou Golf, follow mutigers.com and @MizzouMensGolf.