JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – The Carson-Newman golf squads will begin their seasons by hosting The Smoky Mountain Intercollegiate Tournament next week.

The event marks the first time that Carson-Newman has played host to a combined men's and women's golf tournament.

"We have waited for a few years for this venue and Monday it is finally going to happen," said men's golf coach John Minor, who is excited to start the season with this opportunity.

Besides the excitement of hosting the first tournament, the Eagles also have players who Minor expects to do great things during the 2012 campaign. The men's team will be led by senior Gavin Hay, who had a strong 2011 culminating in a fourth place finish at the SAC tournament.  

"He did everything but win a tourney last year and I expect that to happen this year," Minor said.

Junior Jonathon Kim-Moss is another player who Minor thinks will be a strong contributor to the team this year. Like Hay, Kim-Moss had a strong season last year. Kim-Moss tied Hay with a 7-over total of 223 for the three-round SAC tournament.  

"Both players should set the tone for a really exciting year" says Minor.

The tournament begins Monday, Sept. 10 at The Sevierville Golf Club and will last through Tuesday.

-CN-