March 7, 2008

EVANSTON, Ill. -- Northwestern plays its second tournament in as many weeks when it travels to Murrells Inlet, S.C., March 9-10 for the 2008 General Jim Hackler Invitational. Hosted by Coastal Carolina University, the tournament will be played on the TPC of Myrtle Beach.

The par-72, 6,950 yard TPC course features large greens closely surrounded by towering pine trees and water hazards, with particularly demanding par-3s. There will be 36 holes played on March 9 followed by a reseed. The final round will be Monday, March 10.

The tournament field includes 10 teams ranked in the Top 50 by Golfweek/Sagarin, including No. 11 Duke, No. 12 Florida State, No. 19 Wake Forest, No. 25 East Tennessee State and defending champion No. 34 Lamar. In a field filled with ACC teams, Northwestern is the lone representative from the Big Ten.

This is the second-consecutive weekend the 'Cats face tough and highly ranked competition. Last weekend, they finished 12th at the Puerto Rico Classic in a field of 15 that included 13 teams ranked in the Top 50.

Senior Kyle Moore (Dublin, Ohio/Dublin Scioto) led the Wildcats in Puerto Rico, firing a 3-under 69 in the final round to finish 2-over (218) in a tie for 20th overall. Sophomore David Lipsky (La Canada, Calif./La Canada) wasn't far behind with a 4-over (220) and finished tied for 31st overall.

For live results from the tournament, link to Golfstat.com.