The team does not get much rest with the Olympia Fields Fighting Illini Invitational coming up Friday, which again features top teams.
“We have a philosophy around here. We want to play the best golf courses and against the best competition. I think it challenges you, and I think it makes you a better player,” coach Jay Seawell said.
Alabama will be joined by 14 other teams in Chicago. No. 6 in the Golf Coaches Association of America preseason rankings Illinois will be in attendance, as well as the team tied with Alabama at No. 1, Oklahoma State. The course is state-of-the-art and has hosted four PGA majors, the last being the 2003 U.S. Open.
“It’s a big tournament. It’s probably my favorite one we play all year,” Seawell said. “It gives us a chance to play a golf course that’s hosted a major. So that part in itself is something that is exciting because it is going to challenge us physically and mentally for 54 holes.”
Alabama is fielding a young team and is looking to improve after the first tournament. Led by sophomore Robby Shelton, the team finished fifth with a score of 11-under par. Shelton finished second individually by scoring under 70 each round and a 10-under par overall score.
“I think he showed that he is one of the best players in college golf,” Seawell said. “He’s got a chance to do something special. He’s going to be our leader on the golf course, that’s for sure.”
Seawell said the players are trying to build confidence and improve daily.
“We are not really looking at scorecards. We are looking how they compete, and how they represent each other and the team, and I think if we do that results will come,” Seawell said.
