Lush tropical landscaping, white sandy beaches and the sound of waves crashing to the shore typically don't sound like surroundings that are cause for concern.
But when the No. 7 ASU men's golf team competes in the 2006 UH Hilo Intercollegiate today through Friday, the climate may play a huge part in the outcome.
The tournament, hosted by the University of Hawaii at Hilo, will be played at the Waikoloa Golf Course (par 72) overlooking the Pacific Ocean and has windy conditions forecasted for Thursday.
"The course is 6,800 yards, so it's a little on the short side," ASU coach Randy Lein said. "The scoring will all be dependent on how windy it is. On this part of the island wind is usually a big factor."
The field is set with 21 teams, two of which are ranked in the nation's top three according to Golfweek.
The tournament is scheduled for three rounds with 18 holes played each day.
Second-ranked Oklahoma State won the event last year, finishing 63-under par and will look to defend its title.
ASU shot a 33-under 831 to tie for eighth place last season. Junior Niklas Lemke was the highest placing Sun Devil, finishing in 32nd place with an 8-under 208.
ASU senior Alejandro Canizares, ranked 18th in the country, will attempt to bounce back from a difficult second-place finish on Jan. 31 in Tucson. He lost on the fourth hole of a sudden-death tiebreaker to UA's Henry Liaw.
But Canizares and the Sun Devils will have to contend with the nation's top-ranked golfer, Oklahoma State sophomore Pablo Martin.
"It's a good field, it always is," Lein said. "There's a good variety and hopefully we'll be competitive and in a position to win come Friday."
Reach the reporter at derrik.miller@asu.edu.
