How will the Utah golf team rebound from an appalling 19th place finish at the William Tucker Invitational two weeks ago?
Coach Wayne Fisher is eager to find out.
?I am looking forward to seeing how our guys respond,? he said.
Fisher?s pupils will attempt to redeem a shaky opening tournament when they play at the Fresno Lexus Golf Classic in Fresno, Calif., Oct. 5 and 6.
One who has to respond is senior leader Paul Winterowd. He led all Utah golfers in the first meet Sept. 21 and 22 in Albuquerque, stroking a 13-over par. His 67th-place finish included a team-best round of 74 (+2).
Sophomore teammate Luke Swilor slipped as well in New Mexico, hitting an overall 233 (+17) for 85th-place. But Swilor is assured his results this weekend will be different.
?I hit the ball really badly last week. I hit a lot of range balls (in practice) this week,? Swilor said. ?I?m pretty confident now. I just didn?t have it last week.?
In all, six Utes will be braving the trip, including senior Jason Shepherd, junior Bruce Summerhays, sophomore Nick Summers and freshman Ashdon Woods, as well as the aforementioned two.
The Utes make one team in a field of 16 that will include Mountain West opponents Colorado State and San Diego State.
?We?re excited to get back into the tournament atmosphere after our disappointing performance,? Fisher said.
The Utes can only hope the excitement yields results.