Golf Set for First Appearance of 2016

WEST POINT, N.Y. – The Army West Point golf team returns to the course this weekend in the Black Knights' first tournament of the spring season. The Cadets will participate in the 25th annual John Hayt Collegiate Invitational at the Sawgrass Country Club in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., Friday through Sunday.

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INVITATIONAL CENTRAL • http://www.unfospreys.com/sports/2013/2/20/MGOLF_0220131614.aspx
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"We are looking forward to competing in the Hayt Collegiate Invitational this year," said head coach Brian Watts. "The event has always attracted some of the top teams in the country, so we hope to take advantage of this amazing opportunity.

"It is important for our current players to have the chance to come back to their home towns and compete in front of their family and friends. This will be the case for the Plunkett brothers. Marcus and Matt are going to have a nice following here in Ponte Vedra."

The Cadets will utilize Dean Sakata, Peter Kim, Justin Pagila, Marcus Plunkett and Matt Plunkett for their five-man lineup.

"The team has been working extremely hard and although it is our first of event of the year, they all feel good about their games," said Watts. "Dean will be playing our No. 1 spot along with Peter, Justin, Marcus and Matt."

The competition at the invitational boasts a competitive group including host No. 37 North Florida, Alabama Birmingham, Central Florida, No. 23 UCLA, Coastal Carolina, East Carolina, Furman, Jacksonville, Liberty, Louisville, North Texas, No. 13 Oklahoma State, Tennessee and Tulsa. Six players in the field are listed among Golfstat's Top 100 individuals, led by UCLA senior Jonathan Garrick at No. 19.

The tournament features 18-holes on each day with a 9 a.m. start on Friday for the Black Knights. The Cadets will tee-off with North Texas and Alabama-Birmingham.

"The golf course is very difficult with windy conditions and par is a good number," Watts explained. "The wind is supposed to calm down for the last day, but our team will have to stay patient and take what the course gives them on certain holes. If you play too aggressive it can definitely be a long day out here. We hope to be in the mix going to the final round."

The Sawgrass Oceanside course (East-West) is a par-72, 6,966-yard course. It has been host to a number of professional and amateur events including the PGA Tour's Tournament Players Championship from 1977-81 when the course tested some of the greatest players of all time.

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Golf Set for First Appearance of 2016

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Players Mentioned

Peter Kim

Justin Pagila

Marcus Plunkett

Matt Plunkett

Dean Sakata

Army West Point Athletics