So far, in two 15-team tournaments this season, the No. 8 UT men’s golf team has finished in the fifth and sixth spots. The Longhorns look to build upon that strong start as they travel to Columbus, Ohio to compete in the Jack Nicklaus Invitational at Scioto Country Club, Oct. 11-12.

Nicklaus, widely regarded as the best golfer of all time, learned to play at Scioto, which gives the trip to Columbus the feel of one-part golf tournament, other-part field trip to one of the more important and historical golf courses in America.

“The course is the home of Jack Nicklaus,” said head coach John Fields. “We have not played there, but we know it’s a great, old golf course. We’re looking forward to playing in this tournament, and it has another great field of teams.”

In another competitive field, Texas will have to fight No. 2 Oklahoma State, No. 3 LSU, and No. 7 Illinois.

Texas’ best hopes rest on its trifecta of stars: senior Bobby Hudson, junior Dylan Frittelli and sophomore Cody Gribble. All have had bright moments this year, as each have finished in the top-15 individually at one of the two tournaments. Gribble, the youngest of the group, has earned praise from his coach.

“Gribble jumps out there as the leader of our team this week because he was our low man at [the previous tournament at] Karsten Creek,” Fields said. “He came back with a pair of 70s in the final round, and if you haven’t played there, you may not understand how extraordinary that is. That is great golf.”