Feb. 1, 2007

LAWRENCE, KAN. -

The University of Kansas will attempt to build off an impressive fall season when it opens it's spring season at the Hawaii-Hilo Inviational.  The tournament will be held at Waikoloa Village Golf Club (par-71, 6120 yards) in Kona, Hawaii. 

The Jayhawks, who finished 21st in this event last year, will face a tough field that features nine of the top-40 teams in the country according to GolfWeek.  The three-day event will start Feb. 7 with one round being completed daily.

"We are fortunate to be able to go a little early and get some golf in," Head Coach Ross Randall said.  "We  will be at a huge disadvantage to a lot of the teams since we haven't been able to play much golf lately with the cold and snowy weather.  The field is extremely strong and one of the strongest fields we will see all spring.  Hopefully, we will be able to play well and start the season off on the right note."

The Jayhawks will once again be led by their senior duo of Gary Woodland and Tyler Docking.  The two combined for eight top-10 finishes during the fall season.  They will be joined by sophomore Zach Pederson and freshmen Bobby Knowles and Patrick Roth. 

The Jayhawks strong fall season was highlighted by their victory at the Kansas Invitational along with three other top-10 finishes.  The Hawaii-Hilo Inviational will be the Jayhawks first of six spring events preceding the Big 12 Championship.