OSU looks for Hawaii repeat

A year ago, ice storms, snowfall and freezing weather engulfed Stillwater as the Oklahoma State golf team prepared to travel to Kona, Hawaii for its first tournament of the year.

The tournament, Hawaii-Hilo Invitational, begins today and ends Friday.

This winter has been much milder than last year and has allowed the Cowboys to practice more.

"Last year we were snowed in," coach Mike McGraw said. "The players didn't get out on the golf course for two months. Then we went to Hawaii and won."

This year's tournament lineup is slightly different from last years.

McGraw said the players had their qualifier in Stillwater, and the players competing are Talor Gooch, Sean Einhaus, Drew Page, Ian Davis and Brad Hail.

Einhaus, who won the team qualifier before the Hawaii tournament last year, was unable to make the trip with his team due to his grades.

"Einhaus worked very hard in the classroom this year," McGraw said.  "You never have to worry about drive with him. He is a very dedicated individual."

The Cowboys flew out to the islands on Saturday afternoon. They arrived a few days prior to the tournament to play a couple of practice rounds.

"The most important thing (in Hawaii) for us is attitude." McGraw said.

McGraw said he hopes his team repeats the success it had a year ago in Hawaii, though the absence of Peter Uihlein and Morgan Hoffmann is likely to be noticed.

"We just have to gain ground, and keep getting better," McGraw said. "I don't have any other expectations than that."