The men’s golf team heads to Tempe, Ariz., this weekend to compete in the 34th annual Thunderbird Invitational. The Ducks big three – Derek Sipe, Gregg LaVoie and Dustin Pewarchuk – are statistically the most consistent golfers for the team this season.
Six Ducks will play against five of Golfweek’s top 25 teams, including No. 7 UNLV, host No. 9 Arizona State, No. 21 Texas Tech, No. 22 San Diego State and No. 25 South Carolina. The rest of the field is made up of Arizona, Arkansas, California, Central Florida, Colorado State, Illinois, Kansas State, Penn State and Stanford.
Oregon’s big three are joined by senior Chris Dukeminier. Dukeminier finished in 11th place at the Duck Invitational to earn his spot in Tempe. The final spot for the Ducks has yet to be determined, but is between Justin St. Clair and Joey Benedetti. The two had a playoff in practice Wednesday. According to a University press release, “Whichever golfer is not among the starting five will compete individually at the Thunderbird.”
Last season the Ducks finished tied for seventh in the standings. LaVoie led the Ducks with a 3-under 213 while finishing tied for third overall.