Men's Golf To Play at Desert Shootout

Posted: Mar 17, 2009

March 17, 2009

TEEING OFF: After a full month's break from the last competition in Hilton Head, the Vikings are headed to Goodyear, Ariz. to continue on with their challenging spring schedule. They will compete in the 54-hole 2009 Dessert Shootout hosted by University of Denver at Palm Valley Golf Club starting Thursday, Mar. 19th and concluding Saturday, Mar. 21st.

LAST TIME OUT: Last time in action the Vikings placed 7th of 16 at the Wexford Plantation Intercollegiate held at the 6850-yard par 72 Wexford Plantation. The event was hosted by Francis Marion. CSU carded a 54-hole total of 929 with Junior Patrick Elber sealing a 9th place finish with rounds of 74-77-76.

THE HEAD COACH: In just his second season at the helm of the Cleveland State golf program, Steve Weir is already making a name for himself. The former Viking standout was recognized as the Horizon League Coach of the Year last season after leading the Vikings to the league title and a berth in the NCAA Championship. In his lone season of golf for the Vikings (2006), Weir earned all-league honors and was a two-time Horizon League Golfer of the Week. He was instumental in helping the Vikings claim the 2006 Horizon League Championship as he placed 11th overall. In addition, he holds the school-record for lowest round as he carded an eight-under par 63 en route to a runner-up finish at the Belmont Intercollegiate.

WATCH FOR JAKE: Senior Jake Scott was named one of the Top 50 Players to Watch in the 2008-09 GolfWorld.com season preview. Scott was the only golfer from the Horizon League to be honored with this recognition. He had eight top-10 finishes in 2007-08 and posted a school-record scoring average of 72.7. In addition, he recorded a first place finish at the Kent State Invitational with rounds of 69-65 (134), while also claiming medalist honors at the Horizon League Championship.

FORE-FRONT IN NCAA RANKINGS: The Vikings were pleased to close their 2008 spring season with the lowest NCAA ranking in school history. CSU leads Horizon League teams in national ranking.

DEFENDING CHAMPS: CSU will be working this year to defend its Horizon League Championship. The Vikings, who have won two of the last three league titles, graduated just one player from last year's squad, Doug Barber.

UP NEXT: The Vikings return to action at the 54-hole Ball State Invitational from March 28-29.