Highlander Newspaper

Issue date: 2/2/10 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Michael Trias Matt Fitzgerald follows through during practice last fall.

The UC Riverside men's golf team begins their spring portion of the season this week at the Anteater Invite in Costa Mesa. The team finished their fall portion with a second place finish at the Bill Cullum Invite on Oct. 26 and the team looks prepared to continue to dominate.

The Highlander caught up with head coach Paul Hjulberg to talk about the team's schedule and their expectations for this portion of the season.

"We like our chances," commented coach Hjulberg. "Our top three players, I think, are just solid and more capable than any other top three in the conference. I equated what I had in the 2004 to 2005 season with the big three I had back then. I see Scott Clayton, Andrew Patipaksiri and Kevin Fitzgerald in that same role. I think they can help carry the team."

Coach Hjulberg also commented on how the team ended the fall portion of the season.

"The fall ended really well," he said. "Kevin Fitzgerald turned the corner and played a great event, he got second place. Tom Lo played well there. All the guys are working hard. The guys are excited to get back to it. We wanted to keep it going but the fall season ended."

Scott Clayton, who led the team in the fall portion of the season with a 71.58 scoring average, also commented on his expectation for the team.

"I feel really excited about the players we have and the work ethic that most of them have," he said. "I feel like we have a good shot at contending. We practice well together and we compete internally well. It pushes us to be better."

The men's golf team will play five tournaments in this portion of the season. On March 1, the team will be hosting their annual Braveheart Classic in Beaumont. The team will finish the season at the Big West Conference Championship in May. Scott Clayton talked about the upcoming schedule for the team.

"When a conference tournament comes around, that's where everything matters," Clayton said. "None of the Big West teams really stand out as being exceptional; all of them are really solid. We have just a good chance as anybody. I'm excited to go to Oregon over spring break. That will be a fun trip for us."

The team's first event will be on Feb. 1 and 2 at the Anteater Invite. Last year, Scott Clayton finished third individually at the Invite and will look to perform well again.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools