After a disappointing performance in its last tournament, The University of Alabama men’s golf team hopes to bounce back and reestablish itself as one of the best teams in the nation. The Crimson Tide tees off Monday, Oct. 15 in the Jerry Pate National Intercollegiate (JPNI) at Old Overton Golf Course in Vestavia Hills, Ala. The tournament ends Tuesday, Oct. 16.

Since its conception in 1986, the JPNI has hosted many of the nation’s best golfers, including Tiger Woods and Adam Scott. Auburn, Clemson, UNLV and Florida are some of the Tide’s toughest competition this week.

The tournament’s namesake, Jerry Pate, graduated from the Capstone and went on to notch eight wins in the PGA Tour. With the University acting as the host school, Pate coordinates the event.

Although Alabama entered the season ranked No. 1 in the preseason, it fell to No. 10 in the latest Golfweek polls. During the team’s last tournament at the PING/Golfweek Preview, the Tide tied for ninth place and finished with a team score of 21-over-par 861.

“We’re not playing to the level we know that we could,” said head coach Jay Seawell. “Our team is pretty comfortable with where we can be. Now we just need to get there.”

Of the few areas that leave room for improvement, Seawell emphasized the importance of focusing more and caring less about external factors. Because the NCAA golf season lasts until the end of May, his team has plenty of time to right the course and start playing at a higher level.

The Tide tees off at 7:30 a.m., and the tournament lasts until sundown. Admission is free.