Feb. 16, 2007

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - After a solid performance during the fall season, the University of Memphis men's golf team looks to continue a successful season with a trip to Orlando, Fla. on Monday and Tuesday to compete in the Rio Pinar Invitational hosted by the University of Central Florida.

With plenty of practice time under their belt and a successful fall season, the Tigers will look to improve their performances from last year. Memphis head coach Grant Robbins is eager to see how his team will compete in their first tournament of the spring season.

"I am looking forward to getting the spring started," said Robbins. "I am looking forward to having good weather in Orlando to play."

Seven players will be traveling to Orlando, with two competing individually. Ian Rochester, Kyle Ritchie, Lewis Clarke, Robbie Greenwell and Mark Trow will be in the team competition. Jeff Hall and Hugo Lauzon will be competing as individuals.

Coming into this tournament, the Tigers have already had four top-10 finishes this year. Memphis is looking to improve their eighth-place finish in this tournament from last year, where the Tigers had two finish in the top-20.

"We've had a good week of qualifying," said Robbins. "We look forward to playing well and we are looking to start the spring season on a positive note."

Memphis will leave for Orlando on Saturday. The tournament will start off with 36 holes on Monday and finish with 18 holes on Tuesday.

According to Golfweek rankings, the field for the Rio Pinar Invitational consists of two teams in the top-20, one team in the top-50, eight teams in the top-100 and seven teams in the top-200. Memphis is ranked 74th going into the tournament.

The Tigers will face South Alabama, Mississippi, Mississippi State, Texas-Arlington, Louisville, UT-Chattanooga, Wichita State, Furman, Kansas State, Southern Mississippi, Missouri, UNC-Wilmington, Mercer, South Florida, Georgia Southern, Ohio State and Tulsa.