CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. ? The Austin Peay State University men's golf team heads west for its third spring tournament, at the Diablo Grande Intercollegiate in Patterson, Calif.

The three-day, 54-hole event, features 18 holes each day beginning Sunday, at the 6,999-yard Ranch Golf Course.

“We don't get to travel like this too much, so it gives us a great opportunity to get some exposure outside this region,” said head coach Kirk Kayden.

Teams participating in the three-day tournament include Ohio Valley Conference foe Samford, as well as Dartmouth, Creighton, Southern Illinois, San Marcos, Mercer, North Dakota State, Missouri-Kansas City, Jackson State, Columbia, Northern Iowa, Wichita State and host Drake.

The Govs continued to show signs of improvement after finishing ninth at the Samford Intercollegiate, March 11. Leading the way for the Govs was senior Grant Leaver, who fired a one-under par 215 and finished seventh.

Joining Leaver out west is junior Matt Coles, sophomore Erik Barnes and freshmen Luke Sherrod and Brian Balthrop.

“This should be a great experience for the team to show their skills in California,” said Kayden. “I thought we showed some signs of improvements at Samford so I think our guys are determined to get back on track at this week as we get the chance to play in this great event.”

- AP -