EAST LANSING- Spring is just around the corner, meaning golf is coming back.
The Michigan State men’s golf team will kick off the spring season down at the Mountain Lakes Golf Club in Lake Wales, Florida in the Spartan/Wildcat duel on Saturday.
The Mountain Lakes Golf Club located in the heart of Florida is a par 70 course that stretches over 6700 yards on all 18 holes.
Hole number four is a long 567-yard par 5 that is a slight dogleg left with woods along the right edge of the fairway, it will be key to stay left on this hole to avoid losing a ball.
Another tricky hole for the golfers will be number eight which is another par 5 that is close to 585 yards long. This hole would have every average golfer nervous, with water right in front of the tee box and fairway bunkers spread all throughout this hole, a good tee shot can place the golfer in a great position. Water and bunkers to the right side of the green make the approach shot all the more important. Every shot on this one will matter.
The Spartans are coming off a disappointing end to the fall season as they ended with tough key placements, placing 16th of 16 at the Windon Memorial and 10th of 15 at the Fighting Irish Classic.
Having the winter to recharge, MSU is looking to start the spring season on the right note against the Northwestern Wildcats who finished the fall season ranked No. 27.
The Spartans and the Wildcats will compete in single matches in match play format, where each team will have all nine golfers compete in a head-to-head layout. Whoever wins the greatest number of holes in the matchup wins a point for their team, if the golfers tie after all eighteen holes, then they both will earn half a point for their respective school.
This event took place last year to kick off the spring season, with the Wildcats coming out on top over the Spartans 5.5-2.5.
The man leading the charge for MSU is senior Ashton McCulloch who was All-B1G second team coming into the season and placed third at the Canadian Collegiate Invitational during the fall season.
Freshman Julian Menser and junior Caleb Bond will look to build off their performances at the Fighting Irish Classic and help the Spartans propel into a strong spring season.
On the other hand, Northwestern will be looking for senior Cameron Adam to continue his play from the fall where he finished first at The Clerico and junior Daniel Svard who placed third at the same event.
Spartans and the Wildcats look to start their season right, with a win that can boost confidence heading towards the rest of the campaign.
