MCHATTANOOGA, Tenn.---The Chattanooga Mocs, coming off the program's all-time best season, rising as high as No. 6 nationally, open the 2008-09 men's golf season at home, co-hosting the 2008 Aldila Scenic City Invitational with Middle Tennessee. The 54-hole event opens with 36 holes Monday, Sept. 8, at Council Fire Golf Club and concludes with a final 18 on Tuesday.
In addition to the five starters, the Mocs will also place four individuals in the field. The starting lineup features familiar faces in Jonathan Hodge (senior), Ben Rickett (senior), Derek Rende (junior), Fredrik Qvicker (junior), while freshman Stephen Jaeger plays in his first tournament. The individuals are J.T. Clendenin (junior), Eric Forsman (senior), Tripp Harris (junior) and Hudson Keener (redshirt freshman).
“It did not seem like the season would ever get here,” said fourth-year Head Coach Mark Guhne. “I am excited to get it started. We have a world of talent and high expectations. We have loaded the schedule this year and will have to ready each and every week.”
The Mocs, preseason ranked No. 12 by Golfweek, headline this week's tournament, with No. 29 Middle Tennessee not far behind. Other top challengers include Augusta, Wichita State and North Florida along with Oklahoma.
“It's a good field, one with a lot challenges for certain,” added Guhne. “We need to come out of the gates strong over the first 36 holes on Monday.
“It is a huge week for us playing here Monday and Tuesday and then off to The Farm next weekend for the Carpet Capital (Sept. 12-14).”
Hodge looks to continue the steady improvement he has made every year at Chattanooga. The Golfweek preseason second team All-America is recognized as one of the top players in the nation and his leadership is critical.
“Jonathan is special,” noted Guhne. “He has the respect of his teammates, the coach and other coaches and players around the nation. He is recognized nationally and has earned everything coming his way.”
The development of Rickett, Rende and Qvicker is key as well. The trio played well last season, but each needs to develop a little more consistency to get the Mocs over the top.
“We are not a one-man team,” smiled Guhne. “Derek, Ben and Freddie are all very talented and really can be as good as they want to be. The key for us is just to play smart, consistent golf because each of these guys are capable of scoring and putting up low numbers. What we want to avoid is the big number.”
Guhne concluded, “I'm very excited about the depth of this squad.”
You can view the season schedule here.
