It has been quite awhile since head coach Mark Guhne could wonder openly about so many spots in his lineup.  Over his first five seasons, his squads have returned more starts than it lost from the previous season.  This year's team returns just two starters and loses two four-year starters in Derek Rende and Fredrik Qvicker.

Not only that, his squads featured a decent amount of experience.  Gone are the likes of Bryce Ledford, Mitch Brock, Jonathan Hodge, Ben Rickett, Rende, Qvicker and J.T. Clendenin.  Those seven accounted for 689 starts (77%) over four straight seasons with NCAA Regional appearances and a trip to the 2009 finals.

Even so, Guhne does not fear the unknown, he embraces it.

"I really believe this is a reloading rather than a rebuilding," noted the three-time Southern Conference Coach of the Year.  "We have a deep roster talent-wise, it is very light on experience so it will be an exciting year seeing who emerges and earns their position."

It starts with 2010 SoCon Player of the Year Stephan Jaeger (Munich, Germany).  The two-time PING All-East Region pick in as many years has steadily developed as he impacted the squad from his first appearance, a top five finish at the 2008 Aldila Scenic City Invitational (5th, -10).

Jaeger ended up in the top 75 in both rankings while ranking in the top 50 for the majority of the season.  His continued improvement and leadership is vital to the Mocs' 2011 campaign.

"Jaeger sets the tone," added Guhne.  "He is an unbelievable worker and that's what you want out of your top player.  He is poised for a breakout season."

The Mocs' other returning starter is sophomore Steven Fox (Hendersonville, Tenn.).  Fox captured the lone medalist honor of the 2010 season tying for first with 2009 U.S. Amateur finalist Ben Martin of Clemson at the Furman Intercollegiate.  The duo dueled head-to-head in the final group with Fox' birdie on 18 proving to be the tying score as a playoff was not possible.

"That round told me what was in store with Fox," noted Guhne.  "I knew he had the talent, but that round showed what he had inside as well.  He has a great future ahead."

After Jaeger and Fox, the waters muddy quite a bit, but not for a lack of talent.  Seven freshmen and sophomores will vie for the final three spots in the lineup unless a fourth or fifth finds a way to supplant the returning two.

Redshirt sophomore Simon Forsslund (Stockholm, Sweden) is the only other player on the roster with team rounds on his resume.  He was on the travel squad for the 2009 Hummingbird Intercollegiate counting in both rounds.  He played in five events overall, four as an individual.

Fellow sophomore Alex Ratliff (Kingsport, Tenn.) also played in five events last season, all as an individual.  He shot par or better three times and his best finish was a tie for 16 at the TSU Big Blue Intercollegiate.

Chris Robb (Aberdeenshire, Scotland) and Benni Weilguni (Langelois, Austria) enrolled in January of 2010.  Both were capable of competing for a spot on the travel roster, both redshirted their first semester to get acclimated to college and life in the states.  Both bring impressive junior resumes and could step right into the starting lineup.

"Simon and Alex have the advantage of collegiate experience," said Guhne.  "But they will be pushed hard.  Chris and Benni both looked impressive in practice and are hungry.  It will be fun to see who emerges out of this group."

A trio of true freshmen is in the mix as well.  Davis Bunn (Knoxville, Tenn.) is perhaps the most accomplished, while Jackson Lockhart (Brownsboro, Ala.) flew under the recruiting radar as he developed into one of Alabama's top juniors.  McKeehanon Rue (Athens, Tenn.) adds depth, although he could be red-shirted his first season.

"I am very excited about this recruiting class," Guhne continued.  "If you add Robb and Benni to the list, it may be the most impressive class we've ever had here on paper.  Of course you don't play the game on paper so each is challenged to continue to get better and work their way into the lineup.

"We will be challenged from the start as our schedule does not allow for baby steps."

The Mocs open with the Carpet Capital Collegiate Classic (defending champ Tennessee), often referred to as "The Masters of collegiate golf".  It always features a top-flight field and will be a key early test for the young squad.

After a trip to the Springhill Suites Collegiate (Georgia Southern) at the Country Club of South Carolina, site of the SoCon Championship in April, Chattanooga travels to the Mason Rudolph Invitational (Middle Tennessee) outside of Nashville, the Brickyard Collegiate (Augusta St.) in Macon, Ga., and the Bank of Tennessee Intercollegiate (Oregon St./Tennessee) in Jonesborough.  All five events were won by NCAA Regional qualifiers, four of which advanced to the NCAA Finals.

UTC opens the spring portion of the schedule defending its title at the Cleveland Golf Palmetto Intercollegiate.  From there, the Mocs travel to the Furman Intercollegiate (Clemson), Linger Longer Invitational (Oklahoma State) and University Club Intercollegiate (new event) at LSU before the SoCon Championship in mid-April.  It will be quite the gauntlet.