The Valparaiso University men’s golf team will host a tournament this week for the first time since 2009, welcoming three other programs to Sand Creek C.C. in Chesterton for the Crusader Collegiate. The 54-hole event is slated for two rounds on Tuesday, beginning at 8 a.m., with a final 18-hole round on Wednesday starting at 8:30 a.m.

“Our home tournament has been in the work for a few years and we are very excited to host at Sand Creek Country Club this year,” said Crusader head coach David Gring. “The golf course is in tremendous shape and the greens will be running fast and true. We have enjoyed working closely with the staff at Sand Creek C.C., and their staff and membership are looking forward to hosting the event over the next couple of days.”

This week’s tournament will be utilizing the Marsh and Creek nine-hole courses at Sand Creek C.C., a venue which hosts the Northern Amateur each July. All told, the course will play at a par-72 this week, spanning 6,979 yards.

The Crusaders will face off versus Bradley, Wright State and Detroit over the next two days. 31 players will be competing for the four programs, nine of those Valpo student-athletes – the Crusaders’ five team players, as well as four players playing as individuals.

“The guys on the team played well this summer and we are looking forward to our first 54-hole tournament of the year,” said Gring. “The tournament gives us the opportunity to have each member of the team participate and it allows our coaching staff to evaluate each player, as we begin our competitive season. This will be the first time that we have hosted a home event in seven years. We look forward to the competition this year and building this tournament field in years to come.”