New Format Highlights AU Golf Invitational
April 1, 2004

Northeast Ohio has a bevy of high-quality golf courses. Teams that come to Ashland for the AU Men’s Golf Invitational this Sunday and Monday (Apr. 4-5) will get a chance to play on two of those venues.

Unlike past years when the entire tournament was held in Ashland, this year’s event will be played at the Ashland County Club and the Medina Country Club. The tournament will open on Sunday at noon in Ashland. Monday the teams will head 35 miles north to Medina for a 10 a.m., start at the Medina Country Club.

“I think they (golfers) are interested to see what the courses are like,” said AU head coach Ben Cavey. “They’ve never hosted a team event during the season in Medina. I’m anxious to see how they do on that course.”

Cavey is originally from Medina and knows what to expect on that course.

“It’s right out in front of you,” the AU head coach explained. “There aren’t many tricks or hidden shots. It basically says, ‘Here it is, come and get it.’ It’s very long, especially if it’s going to be wet.”

The year’s Invitational field consists of 11 teams.

“We have every conference school except Ferris State, Lake Superior State and Saginaw Valley,” noted Cavey.

The Eagles are striving to gain more consistency. That was Cavey’s concern at the beginning of the year and he’s been an accurate prophet.

“Every round is a challenge,” Cavey said. “Someone different plays well at different times. Some of our freshmen are playing better and that’s great to see. We have some people here who have the potential to be good players.”

The Invitational field includes Grand Valley State, one of the strongest teams in the region. Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference champ Grand Valley State will also be in town.