Senior Ryan Coughlin makes his team rotation debut Sunday at the third annual Battle at the Warren.

Men's Golf Set To Wrap Regular Season At Third Annual Battle At The Warren

April 21, 2012

NOTRE DAME, Ind. – The University of Notre Dame men’s golf team is set to conclude its regular season this weekend as it plays host to the third annual Battle at the Warren beginning at 8 a.m. (ET) Sunday at the Warren Golf Course.

“It’s great to be back at home this weekend,” said Irish head coach Jim Kubinski. “I know our players always look forward to playing on campus in front of so many friends and family members. The support out at our Warren Golf Course is always tremendous. The course is in good shape too, with the fairways playing a little firmer and faster than during our Fall event. The greens won’t be as fast, given the aeration a couple of weeks ago, but I think they’re getting better with each day. They’ll be fair in accepting shots and at a speed where players won’t need to be too careful.”

The tournament, which begins at 8 a.m. (ET) with all tee times going off of the first hole, will feature two, 18-hole rounds of golf on a track that will play as a par-71, 7,090-yard course. Contrary to typical collegiate tournaments, the Battle at the Warren will feature a 6-count-4 format, meaning the lowest two scores of each round will not be counted toward the team total.

The Irish will send out their typical starting five of seniors Max Scodro, Chris Walker and Tom Usher as well as junior Paul McNamara III and sophomore Niall Platt. Joining the rotation as the sixth man will be fellow senior Ryan Coughlin in his first start with the team.

“Anytime we can offer another player an opportunity to compete within the team setting, I think it enhances that player’s experience,” remarked Kubinski. “This lineup also beat Illinois in a dual match last Sunday at Olympia Fields in Chicago, 3 ½ to 2 ½. We avoided mistakes last week, which was a nice sign. It gives us a little momentum and a shot of confidence. Illinois is a very good team and we played well from 1 to 6 in our lineup and really held it together on the back nine. Ryan has been through a lot, so I’m happy he has this chance. He came in as a walk-on and has worked very hard. He competes well. Playing all four seniors is a fun thing for us too. Max, Chris and Tom have done some great things out on the Warren over the years. I expect they’ll give a great effort this weekend.”

Joining the Irish in the five-team field will be the likes of Bradley, Evansville, Illinois State and fellow BIG EAST competitor Marquette. While there will be no live stats of the tournament, match updates will be provided via @NDMensGolf on Twitter and the Irish Facebook page at Facebook.com/NDMensGolf. Be sure to check back with UND.com at the conclusion of the event for a complete recap of the Irish.

–ND–