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121 N ot many schools have the opportunity to host their own golf tournament, but on April 16-17, the University of Iowa men's golf team will be hosting its second tournament of the year with the 23rd annual Hawkeye Invita- tional. "Hosting tournaments is a huge benefit to our players," said Iowa's second-year head coach Tyler Stith. "It's also nice to be able to provide that op- portunity for our friends, family, and supporters to come out and watch us compete. I know a lot of schools aren't fortu- nate enough to host two events because it takes so much work. I feel for- tunate to be able to host two events and I know the players do, too." In September, the Hawkeyes hosted the GolfWeek Conference Challenge, a three-day tournament played at Spirit Hollow Golf Course in Burlington, Iowa. e Hawkeyes put together one of the best rounds in program history on their way to captur- ing the team title at 842 (-22; 284, 273, 285). Junior Raymond Knoll earned co-medalist honors aer carding a three-round 205 (-11, 66, 67, 72). is time the Hawkeyes will have an even greater advantage when they take to their home course — Finkbine. "People talk about the condition of the golf course every year," said Stith. "When they arrive they can't believe how green the course is and how great the condition of the fairways and greens are. We have earned a good reputation and the number of teams that continue to show up every year goes to show what kind of event we put on." Iowa's strong performance at the GolfWeek Con- ference Challenge has the Hawkeyes anticipating a similar performance at the Hawkeye Invitational, although Stith believes his team can put together that kind of performance at any event. "I think we can do that anywhere," said Stith. "I think we have the players that can do that at any golf course and we've seen that from every- one. It may be easier to do it at home, but we have the players to put together solid rounds wherever we go." For senior Nate Yankovich — one of two seniors on Iowa's roster — this will be his last go around at the Hawkeye Invitational and he hopes to make it a memorable one. "I have played in this event in each of the last three years," said Yankovich, who tied for 10th in last year's event. "I love Finkbine, it's one of my favorite golf courses because it's always in good shape and the fairways and greens are incredible. It's been my home for the past four years, so it's a special place for me. I would like to play well and put myself in contention come the final round." e two-day Hawkeye Invitational begins with a 9 a.m. (CT) shotgun start on April 16 (36 holes) and continues through April 17 (18 holes). APRIL SCHEDULE April 2-3 at ASU Thunderbird Invitational (Tempe, Ariz.) April 16-17 Hawkeye Invitational (Iowa City, Iowa) April 22-24 at Big Ten Championships (Newburgh, Ind.)