Sept. 25, 2008

After ending last season with an appearance in the NCAA East Regional, the University of Memphis men's golf team opens its 2008-09 season with eyes set on another postseason run. The Tigers tee off in their first competition at the Mason Rudolph Invitational Sept. 26-28.

Vanderbilt University is the tournament's host school. The 7,100-yard, par 71 Vanberbilt Legends Club is the tournament's host course.

"We are anxious to get this season underway with such a strong finish last year," said Tiger head coach Grant Robbins. "We are happy with what we accomplished last year, but look to improve even more and go deeper into the postseason this year."

After losing three seniors from last year's team, the Tigers turn to senior Brad Benjamin, who had several solid performances last spring. Benjamin played in all nine tournaments in the spring, carding a low of 69 at the Rice Intercollegiate. He also turned in two top-20 performances including a tie for fourth at the Rice Intercollegiate. Senior Jordan Payne also looks to get back in the mix after playing in three tournaments last fall.

Robbins also hopes the newest additions to the program make contributions this weekend, with Jack Belote and Parker Rush expected to be the leaders of the group. Belote had one of the best high school golf seasons in recent history, finishing second in the Commercial Appeal's "Best of the Preps," as well as posting a fifth-place finish in the Tennessee AAA State High School Championship. Rush is coming off a very strong season at Faulkner State Community College, where he posted three top-10 finishes and qualified as an individual for the Junior College National Championships.

The Mason Rudolph Invitational tees off on Friday with the opening round to begin at 8:00 a.m. (CT). The tournament continues with the second and third rounds to be played Saturday and Sunday, respectively.