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Men’s golf hosts WAC tournament
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The Boise State men’s golf team looks to put the final touch on one of the most successful seasons in Bronco golf history, when they begin play in the Western Athletic Conference Championships today at Crane Creek Country Club in Boise.
Ever since the Broncos saw success at the 2004 WAC Championships, they have been preparing to put up another record team finish.
“It’s been our goal all year,” Boise State head coach Kevin Burton said. “We’ve known we were going to host this, and it’s a good opportunity for us to get to the NCAA (championship).”
This is Burton’s first appearance in the WAC Championships, and a win could make it his first appearance in the NCAA Championships.
Although confidence seems to have been the main ingredient throughout the season, the Broncos know there is a rough road ahead.
“It’s going to be tough,” Burton said. “Fresno State is playing very good right now, and Nevada is ranked ahead of us also.”
New Mexico State University, who finished the season ranked 63rd, goes into the championships as the highest ranked WAC team.
Fresno State (70), and the University of Nevada (77) are the only other WAC schools with rankings in the top 100. The Broncos finish the season ranked 85th in the nation.
The Broncos have a home-course advantage and plan to benefit from the familiar crowd.
“That certainly helps in golf, to know that you’ve got people on the ropes cheering you on,” Burton said. “You can definitely use that as a motivator, confidence builder, and showcase yourself.”
But the crowd’s support isn’t the only gain from the home advantage, as the Broncos have the quirks of the course down to a tee.
“I think that helps a lot,” Burton said. “They feel very comfortable out there. It is a tricky golf course, and a lot of local knowledge is going to help.”
But even as the Broncos have a home advantage, they know that the pressure to earn a spot in the NCAA championships is intense.
“We have to play very well all the way from one to five in the players to do it, but I think that we definitely have the ability,” Burton said. “I think the guys are ready.”
The tournament is free to the public, and it will be the last opportunity to see the Broncos in action this season. The championship concludes on Wednesday.
SHAWN ASHBY
Sports Writer