SUGAR GROVE, Ill. – The Kennesaw State men's golf team arrived in Sugar Grove, Ill., on Wednesday and had a full day as it prepares for the 2017 NCAA Division I Championships that begin Friday (May 26) at Rich Harvest Farms.
 
Following a 3:30 a.m. wake-up call and a 7:24 a.m. flight, the Owls arrived in Chicago a little after 8 a.m. (CT). The team stopped for a full breakfast then departed for famed Cog Hill Golf & Country Club in Lemont, Ill., for practice. Kennesaw State spent time on the driving range, worked on the short game and putting.
 
The course has hosted the PGA TOUR's BMW Championship, Western Open Championship, and multiple USGA Championships, including the U.S. Amateur (1997), U.S. Amateur Public Links (1979, 1989) and U.S. Women's Amateur Public Links (1987).
 
After checking into the official tournament hotel, Kennesaw State drove to Rich Harvest Farms to get its first look at the course and watch the title match of the NCAA Division I Women's Championships won by Arizona State.
 
Both head coach Bryant Odom and the players came away impressed by the layout and condition of the course.
 
"It's a beautiful piece of property, pristine conditions and some very good greens, a lot of rolling greens and trees with a good mix of open holes and tight holes, but it will come down to being in the right spots around the greens," Odom said.
 
Looking ahead to Thursday's practice round, Odom added, "I think we are just going to try and see as much of the golf course as possible, particularly the type of shots we want to hit off the tees, around the greens and possible pin locations. We'll hit a lot of puts and chip shots, and just get a general feel for the places we might play from."
 
Sophomore Pablo Rodriguez-Tabernero Torres and senior Christopher Guglielmo expressed a fondness for Rich Harvest Farms and said they are anxious to move inside the ropes for Wednesday's practice round.
 
"It is a really nice course and in great condition with perfect greens," Torres said. "It is the best course I will have played."
 
Added Guglielmo: "I've watched enough (referring to the women's championship) and cant' wait to get out there."
 
Torres, Guglielmo and the rest of the Owls will get their chance when they play their practice round on Thursday beginning at 10 a.m. (ET).  
 
The championships open on Friday with the Kennesaw State, Purdue and Jacksonville scheduled to tee off on the first hole beginning at 9:02 a.m. (ET).
 
Keep up with Owls men's golf by following KSU on Twitter @KSUOwlNation and @KSUOwlsMensGolf or by liking Kennesaw State Owls on Facebook.

   

 

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