“I think the guys are real excited,” head coach Sam Puryear said.

“Any time you come and play at your home course and it’s in terrific shape, it’s a great springboard.”

MSU hosts a slew of opponents Saturday and Sunday for the Fossum Invitational, after winning the event each of the past two invitationals. Last year, the Spartans shot a six-under par 714 to earn a 33-stroke victory as three MSU golfers vied for the individual title.

Two of those golfers, seniors Jack Newman and Andrew Ladwig, return this season to try to claim first prize in the team’s final regular season match after being bested by then-teammate Payne Gniewek for the top individual honors.

Newman shot a 2-under 208 to finish sixth last weekend and could benefit from a good showing this weekend with the Big Ten Championships on the horizon.

“If he plays well this weekend, there’s a lot at stake,” Puryear said.

“He’s practiced well, and he’s ready to play.”

Puryear said the course the Spartans will play next weekend at Minnesota is in some ways similar to Forest Akers West, and that the experience will give the Spartans a good feel for what to expect next week.

MSU was unranked when it won the Big Ten Championships in 2007 and 2008, so the fact that the Spartans will compete against a strong Big Ten field at the championships shouldn’t intimidate them.

After seeing five players behind Newman finish anywhere from 37th to 72nd last weekend, the team really could seek to benefit from a confidence-building performance this weekend.

Freshman James Ross and sophomore Chris Mory tied for 37th and could be in position to peak at the right time with a good showing this weekend.

No. 11 Illinois is the only Big Ten team ranked, but plenty of teams possess a chance as the Spartans look ahead to the Big Ten Championships.

“I think the exciting part is that we’ve beaten several teams in front of us,” Puryear said.

“The rankings don’t mean much.”