Texas Tech University Athletics
Red Raiders Tee Off Spring Slate Thursday In Hawaii
February 03, 2016 | Men's Golf
The Red Raiders begin the 2016 spring slate in Hawaii, on Thursday.
Feb. 3, 2016
KONA, Hawaii -- February marks the beginning of the Texas Tech men's golf spring campaign as the Red Raiders are slated to open their season on Feb. 4, with the annual Amer Ari Intercollegiate, at the Waikoloa Kings' Course, in Kona, Hawaii.The Amer Ari Invitational started in the fall of 1991, and since the spring of 1994 has been a launch point for many of the nation's premier golf programs each season.
According to the Golfweek men's collegiate team rankings, nine of the nation's top 35 teams will be in Hawaii this weekend, including the Red Raiders (No. 33). The others are Arizona State, Oklahoma State, USC, Oregon, Stanford, Georgia Tech, Auburn and UCLA.
"There is no better way to start our season than at this tournament," Texas Tech head coach Greg Sands said. "The setting, the competition and the excitement make this an unbelievable experience for our student-athletes. We did a lot of good things during our fall season that we are ready to build on, starting this weekend."
Golfstat will handle live scoring for the tournament, which will begin with a shotgun start at 11:30 a.m. CT, on Thursday. Friday's second round and Saturday's final round will each begin at 11:30 a.m. CT as well.
Despite losing several key contributors from the memorable 2014-15 campaign, the Red Raiders had a very solid fall, led by junior Hannes Ronneblad. Ronneblad logged three top-five finishes in four tournaments this fall, including tying for first place (-2) at the Carmel Cup, firing a 67 on his way to a fifth-place finish at the Tucker Intercollegiate and carding a final-round 68 to take fourth at Isleworth.
On top of that, Ronneblad turned around and fired a final-round 67 to register a three-shot victory at the Dixie Amateur.
"I'm very happy for Hannes," Texas Tech head coach Greg Sands said after the Dixie Amateur. "He continues to grow as a player, and he is hands-down one of the hardest-working guys in college golf. You would be hard-pressed to find another collegiate golfer who spends more time and energy on his craft."
Joining Ronneblad in the starting five will be senior Henry Todd and sophomore Hurly Long, who transferred to the south plains from Oregon. Rounding out the top five will be Federico Zucchetti, who tied for sixth at the Patriot All-American, and Devin Jackson, a sophomore from Hallsville, Texas. Freshman Hayden Springer will join the field as an individual player.
Visit www.TexasTech.com for the latest news and information on the men's golf program. Fans also can follow the program on its social media outlets at www.Facebook.com/TTUMensGolf and @TTUMensGolf on Twitter.
Players Mentioned
