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Senior co-captain Todd Golditch will look to lead the Red and Blue to a strong performance at the East Carolina Invitational this weekend. (Andrew Margolies/DP File Photo)

As the Penn men's golf team embarks this weekend to the East Carolina Invitational, there are several uncertainties swirling around the Quakers camp. The first big question deals with the team itself. Which players will compete? Most tournaments allow its participating teams five members to compete, although this week the Quakers will be able to send six. As it stands, nine players on the team are vying for some very limited space. "Hopefully [the outcome of this tournament] will help us get a set five," Penn sophomore Chad Perman said. "If you have the same five and feel confident, its better going into tournaments." According to Penn senior co-captain Todd Golditch, two players have very little to worry about. Senior Kyle Moran and Perman are almost shoo-ins for two of the five spots. So how does Penn coach Francis Vaughn determine who travels to tourneys and who stays home? Does the coach have two players play a match to decide who competes? "No," Golditch explained. "It's more of a feel and not strictly on score." The other big question mark for the Quakers will be rust. The squad is at a significant disadvantage relative to the other teams playing this week in terms of practice. The field is comprised of mostly southern schools which play continuously throughout the winter. With the exception of the last three-week period, the Red and Blue have not been practicing together as a team. "It is definitely the best field of the year," Perman said. "There will be some solid programs there." A strong showing will certainly bode well for the Quakers this weekend, but is by no means an indication as to the remainder of the season. There are two potential upsides to this weekend. The team will have the chance to play a course that is not exactly on par with Augusta National. "[Bradford Creek] is a good challenge," Golditch said, "but not that difficult." Also, as long as no Ivy League teams shows, which is a strong possibility, this tournament will have no bearing on the Quakers' league standings. For Penn, there's nothing to lose, only confidence to gain.

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