The Vanderbilt men's golf team opened its 2008-2009 season in Illinois last weekend, with an 11th place finish at the Olympia Fields Invitational. The Commodores were led by sophomore Adam Hofmann, who shot a 72 in the third round to finish at +8, 25th overall in the individual standings. In addition, all-American senior Jon Curran turned in a strong performance, shooting a +11 and finishing 32nd overall.

Freshman Trey DelGreco carded a 76 in the third round to finish 56th overall. He was impressed with the veteran Curran's ability to lead the squad.

"(Curran) ... is leading the team. He is also setting a good example for the underclassmen," DelGreco said. "He shows us how to act and how to get the ball around the course."

The Commodores return to the more familiar confines of middle Tennessee this weekend for the Mason Rudolph Championship in Franklin at the Vanderbilt Legends Club.

"We're playing at home this weekend so that will give us an advantage and a chance to play our game," DelGreco said.

The 28th-ranked women's golf team opens its 2008-2009 season this weekend. It welcomes nine of the top 10 teams in the nation, as it also plays host at the Mason Rudolph Championship. Defending champions No. 1 USC, No. 2 UCLA, No. 4 Duke, No. 4 Arizona State and No. 5 Oklahoma State headline an incredibly difficult field facing Vanderbilt.

Senior Jacqui Concolino and junior Brook Goodwin lead a relatively young Commodore squad. For the Mason Rudolph tournament, the five include one sophomore, Megan Grehan, and two freshmen, Marina Alex and Andrea Messer. While the players are young, they have experience on the national stage.

"Although our freshman don't have collegiate experience to date, their experience as two of the top juniors in the country gives them confidence ... to compete at the top level right away," said senior Amber Lundskog.

Considering the caliber of teams in town this weekend, the freshmen need to be able to step in and compete with the best in the nation right away.