Oct. 30, 2009

The University of Texas-Pan American men's and women's golf programs will be hosting the UTPA Golf Classic this Monday, November 2 at the Los Lagos Golf Course in Edinburg, Texas.

The UTPA Golf Classic will be kicked off with the College Am held on Sunday, November 1 at 12 noon with a field consisting of 12 teams. Members of the community pay a fee to play alongside their favorite Bronc or Lady Bronc. The College Am will serve as a fundraiser for both the men's and women's golf programs.

"This is a fundraiser that helps us show off our golf program to the community and gives the student-athletes a chance to communicate with the public," Director of Men's and Women's Golf Ofelia Lopez said.

"A lot of the time our players don't get the chance to play in front of the community or the community doesn't get a chance to see them play. This is something that enables that and allows them to have fun with our college players."

The UTPA Golf Classic will be a two day event that will consist of 54 holes - 36 holes on the first day and 18 on the second. Both days will have an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start.

Competing in the tournament is Houston Baptist, Chicago State, North Dakota, SMU (men only) and host team UTPA.

Mother Nature has taken her course this year forcing many of the men's and women's tournaments to be cut short. Both men and women are looking for that one tournament to go out and shine.

"This will be a preview for conference. The girls have what it takes; they just need not to be afraid. If they go out with that killer instinct that they refuse to lose, the way they did at conference and Minority, the girls will go out and perform to the best of their capabilities," said Lopez.

On the men's side, head coach Santiago De Larrea mentioned that the men's team has been looking forward to this tournament all season.

"The men are excited about hosting a tournament this season. They feel very confident, especially playing on their own course. We should expect some good performances from the men," said de Larrea.

The last time UTPA hosted a tournament was in the fall of 2004 when they hosted the Bronc Classic.

UTPA Sports Information