Patrick Cantlay

The Western Intercollegiate (WI), one of the nation's most revered men's collegiate championships continues to attract high-profile teams and players. According to John Kennaday, San José State University men's golf coach, seven of the top-20 teams nationally and 18 of GolfStat's top-100 players are expected to compete in this 54-hole championship. Texas (#1), California (#3), UCLA (#5), USC (#7), Oregon (#9), San Diego State (#12) and Stanford (#13) are in Golfstat's top-20 team rankings. In addition to host San Jose State, New Mexico State, UC Irvine, Denver, Hawaii, Hawaii at Hilo, and Kansas round out the 14-team field. UCLA is the reigning WI Champion.

In addition to Cantlay, the 2012 WI will attract Texas freshman Jordan Spieth, Golfstat's #1 men's college player nationally ranked (April 3 rankings) and the #3 player in the WAGR. He will be joined by Texas teammate senior Dylan Frittelli ranked #2 by Golfstat, and Oregon senior and 2010 WI Champion Eugene Wong ranked #5. Stanford's freshman Patrick Rodgers #6 (Golfstat) who stands #2 in the WAGR is also expected to be playing in the WI.

In addition to the two-day 54-hole championship, top collegiate players are looking forward to the practice round on Friday, April 13, when business leaders and college alums join them in the Western Intercollegiate College-Am.

Now in its 66th year, the WI is one of the longest-running collegiate tournaments in the country. It is contested at the Pasatiempo GC a venue that's ranked among the best by GolfWeek, Golf Digest, and Golf Magazine. Spectators are free to join the gallery at Pasatiempo on April 14-15.

Because player wellness is important, the Sun SafeTee Program in cooperation with the Santa Cruz Cancer Benefit Group will be on site Friday April 13, sharing material on the importance of sun skin safety while dermatologists provide free skin cancer screening for players, coaches, and guests. "In 2011, our on-site skin screening program drew a huge response," said Mark Wishner, president of Sun SafeTee, "which is why we are prepared to provide our services again this year."

The Western Intercollegiate is made possible through its platinum sponsors Frys.com Open, Jerry Hamilton of Cooper-Challen Realty, Brandenburg Family Foundation, and Don & Sally Lucas. To learn more about the championship, the college-am, and sponsorship opportunities, visit http://www.westernintercollegiate.net/.

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