The NIU men’s golf squad left Thursday afternoon for Madison, Wis., to participate in the Badger Invitational, which will be held at the Cherokee Country Club. There are 18 teams in the field, including all of the Big Ten teams with the exception of Ohio State.

“Illinois is the defending Big Ten champion and Wisconsin is also a big threat. The Badgers’ recruiting has been very good in the past few years,” NIU coach Jack Pheanis said. “It is not going to be easy.

“Illinois’ best player is Steve Stricker, who is a super talent. He is one of the best intercollegiate golfers in the country.”

NIU’s five-man lineup includes Chad Behrends, Mike Briggs, Rick Stewart, Tek Osborne, and freshman Ray Eckersoll.

“Mike Briggs began using new clubs, but has now switched back to his old set. He has struggled but he is on his way back to the form he had last spring,” Pheanis said. “Stewart has been struggling as well but looked good in Minnesota last week.

“Eckersoll won the qualifying rounds to earn the fifth position. He has a lot of talent; that is why we made him our top recruit last year.”

The three men who are not making the trip will play 54 holes over the weekend, which will be used as qualifying rounds for next weekend’s Elwood Greens Invitational in Genoa.