After starting the fall by tying for third in a 24-team field at the Gene Miranda Falcon Invitational in Colorado, the Valparaiso University men’s golf team will have an opportunity to compete close to home this week as the program hosts its annual home tournament.

The Beacons are the defending champions of their home event, the Valpo Fall Invitational, which will take place at beautiful Sand Creek Country Club, a par-72, 7082-yard venue in Chesterton, Ind. The practice round will occur on Sunday before the tournament begins with the first two rounds taking place on Monday with the opening round featuring an 8 a.m. CT shotgun start. The third and final round will commence with tee times ranging from 7:30-9 a.m. CT off the first and 10^th tees on Tuesday.

The tournament will feature nine teams this year as Bradley, Evansville, Green Bay, Detroit Mercy, DePaul, Western Illinois, Central Michigan and Chicago State join the host Beacons. Including those competing as individuals, the tournament will showcase a 63-player field, including the Valpo top duo of Anthony Delisanti (Sanborn, N.Y. / Niagara Wheatfield) and Caleb VanArragon (Blaine, Minn. / Blaine), who took the top two spots in the event last season. Delisanti, last year’s individual medalist, went on to win the Missouri Valley Conference individual crown last season. VanArragon, also an NCAA Regional qualifier a year ago, is coming off individual medalist honors at Valpo’s season-opening tournament hosted by Air Force.

This past week, VanArragon was named the MVC Golfer of the Week after his win in a 120-player field. This marked his 14^th career MVC Golfer of the Week accolade, allowing him to climb into a tie for second in conference history with Dustin Garza of Wichita State. He is one away from tying David Perkins for the most MVC Golfer of the Week honors in conference history. His opening-tournament, 54-hole score of 203 (-13, 67-67-69) tied Delisanti’s modern program record for 54-hole tournament score in relation to par set at last year’s MVC Championship.

Those who cannot make it out to the golf course to spectate the action in person can follow along via GolfStat throughout the event.