STANFORD, Calif. – The 12th-ranked Stanford men's golf team makes its second start of the spring Monday in The Prestige at PGA West Resort in La Quinta, California. The Cardinal will field two of the 16 squads in the 54-hole event contested on the challenging Greg Norman Course.
This marks the 18th edition of the tournament, co-hosted by the Cardinal and UC Davis, and the 14th playing at PGA West.
"Creating positive momentum early in the spring is huge," said Conrad Ray, the Knowles Family Director of Golf. "Good play also validates solid off-season work which will hopefully pay dividends as the season plays out."
Earlier this month, Stanford tied for 10th in the 18-team Amer Ari Invitational in Hawaii. Senior Franklin Huang led the way by tying for 13th individually.
Top-ranked Oklahoma State headlines The Prestige, which includes No. 9 LSU, USC, Oregon, Washington, Northwestern, Notre Dame, USF, Pepperdine, San Diego State, East Tennessee State, UC Davis and Stirling. In addition, nine individuals are ranked in the top 50 in the nation, including No. 1 Justin Suh of USC.
"We're excited that the whole roster can play and garner valuable experience," Ray said.
The A team will be comprised of Brandon Wu (1), Huang (2), Jeffrey Swegle (3), Salinda (4) and Henry Shimp (5), while the B unit features Bradley Knox (1), Chris Myers (2), David Snyder (3), Dakota McNealy (4) and Ashwin Arasu (5).
On Wednesday, Wu was one of 27 collegians named to the prestigious Ben Hogan Award watch list, presented to the player who demonstrates the best academic prowess and golf accomplishments. A junior from Danville, California, Wu currently ranks No. 4 in the country.
"Neat to see Brandon's progress and presence on the national scene," said Ray. "He had a very solid fall campaign and his putting has improved dramatically."
The Norman Course stretches 7,070 yards and plays to a par-71. Last year, the Cardinal finished fourth at 9-over 281, with LSU claiming the title at even par. Huang and Isaiah Salinda (junior) paced Stanford by earning a share of sixth at 3-under.
"Good ball control off the tee and solid putting are usually the keys," said Ray. "The greens are typically in perfect condition but the pull towards Indio is a real factor and takes some adjustment."
Live results will be available each day at GoStanford.com, and updates can be found on Twitter (@StanfordMgolf), Facebook (StanfordMgolf) and Instagram (@StanfordMgolf).