The ASU men's golf team will start a veteran group of players in hopes of beating UA and a host of other quality schools today at the PING-Arizona Intercollegiate.
Junior Charly Simon has earned the final spot in ASU's lineup, rounding out a team that is deep in talent and experience.
"Charly will have the opportunity this week," ASU coach Randy Lein said.
Lein said he expects his team to have success in the two-day event, which will be held at the Arizona National Golf Club.
The course requires the right combination of precision and patience. Golfers could find themselves in trouble if their shots stray from the center of the fairway.
Lein remains confident that his team is ready for the formidable task.
"It's a veteran team," Lein said. "They're ready to go down South and compete to win, not just have a good finish."
The Sun Devils are part of a 16-team field that includes defending national champion California and No. 4 New Mexico.
Senior captain Jesse Mueller said his team, which includes seniors Pat Moore and Niklas Lemke and junior Alejandro Canizares, is prepared for the tournament.
"UA is going to be our biggest challenge," Mueller said. "They won it last year, and any time you face a team on their home course, they have a big advantage."
Lein said the rivalry between ASU and UA is as strong with his team as it is with other teams on campus.
"When both of our teams are good, we make each other better," Lein said. "It might not be the same [as other sports] because we will congratulate them [on playing well], but it is pretty close."
Reach the reporter at mark.saxon@asu.edu.
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