With over two weeks of rest behind them, the men’s golf team travels to Auburn, Ala., to compete in the Billy Hitchcock Intercollegiate Tournament this weekend.

The team looks to continue the success it had in its previous competition where it placed third at the Naples Invitational in Naples, Fla.

The break served as a chance for the team to get out and practice, an opportunity the Illini had not had previously because of the weather conditions in Champaign. Head coach Mike Small hopes that practice will lead to improved results this weekend.

“Our games should be coming together,” Small said.

The tournament, which begins today, is hosted by Auburn. The Tigers are ranked sixth nationally and are defending champions of the event. No. 23 Georgia State is the only other team in the tournament with a national ranking.

The competition takes place over three days and is a 54-hole event. This will be the first year the event is held at Auburn’s own Auburn University Club.

Small said the tournament had a good field of teams and the event will be a challenge for the Illini. He said the extra practice should help the team to produce better results.

“Hopefully it shows we can compete and play,” Small said.

Like with other events the Illini have participated in, Small said an entire team effort will be the biggest factor in where the team ends up this weekend.

“All the guys have to compete hard and contribute,” Small said.