May 30, 2006

Photo Gallery

SUNRIVER, Ore. — The South Carolina men’s golf team is in Sunriver, Ore., preparing for the NCAA Championship, which begins on Wednesday, May 31. The Gamecocks traveled to Oregon on Sunday and participated in the first of two practice rounds on Monday at Crosswater Golf Club. Eirik Johansen, Mark Anderson, Florian Fritsch, Allen Koon and Warren Thomas will be comepting for Carolina this week.Check out photos from the Gamecocks’ first day on the course and read what Carolina head coach Puggy Blackmon has to say about the site and his team heading into the Championship…

On the trip and Crosswater Golf Club:
“Our long flight was followed by a three-and-a-half hour car trip to Sunriver Resort on Sunday. The (Crosswater Golf Club) course is over 7,600 yards long with three par fives over 630 yards long. We have a great view of Mount Hood and other peaks. The temperature was in the mid-50s (Monday). “

On the first practice round:
“As expected, our guys were a little sluggish in the first practice round (Monday), but I expect our focus to be a little bit better on Tuesday.”

On his team:
“We have a great group of guys who could be a dark horse this week. A solid start is essential for the young guys. Driving the ball long and in play is also going to be critical.”

“On a side note, the guys are too young to appreciate that John Wayne and Katharine Hepburn filmed Rooster Cogburn here!”