Coming off a fifth-place finish in its first spring tournament, the ASU men's golf team hopes for low scores this week on Hawaii's Big Island.
The Sun Devils will attempt to continue their momentum today in the opening round of the Taylor Made/Waikoloa Intercollegiate.
This season marks the first time the three-day event is being held at the 6,687-yard, par-72 Waikoloa Village Course. ASU coach Randy Lein said the course likely will present challenges.
"The course is older and has more trees," Lein said of Waikoloa Village in comparison to Waikoloa Kings' Golf Course, where the tournament was held last season. "Lava doesn't play as much of a role, either."
The Sun Devils, who have participated in the tournament every year since 1988, are one of just seven top-20 teams that made the trip to Hawaii. Lein claims that No. 2 Oklahoma State and No. 4 Texas have an advantage because of the weather.
"The weather is a big factor," Lein said. "You expect wind, but the question is, how much?"
The Sun Devils will feature a veteran lineup that consists of the same five golfers who competed last week at the PING-Arizona Intercollegiate. ASU's lineup is anchored by junior Alejandro Canizares, who captured medalist honors in Tucson at 11-under 202.
Canizares said the win gave him confidence. However, he downplayed his importance to the squad.
"We play as a team all the time," Canizares said. "I don't feel like I have to lead this team because we are all good players and we can all play great."
Canizares will be joined by seniors Jesse Mueller and Pat Moore, junior Charly Simon and sophomore Niklas Lemke.
Mueller said he was disappointed with last week's finish, but acknowledged that his team battled back and finished strong.
Lein said his golfers enjoy playing in Hawaii because they have an opportunity to spend an entire week on the course.
Jetlag should not be a factor. ASU flew to Hawaii on Friday.
"The time change should work in our favor. We are able to get on the course every day at 5:30 a.m.," Lein said. "It's a great atmosphere. Everyone looks forward to this event."
Reach the reporter at mark.saxon@asu.edu.
