For the ISU men’s golf team, Monday marks a return to the golf course while most students return to class after a week of rest and relaxation.

Monday marks the beginning of the two-day Stevinson Ranch Invitational in Turlock, Calif. It is the second tournament in less then a week for the Cyclones and their last chance for competitive action for nearly a month.

“I’ve liked the way we’ve been improving and progressing these last couple weeks,” coach Jay Horton said. “That being said, we need to finish strong and try to take some momentum into the break here coming up.

“[Chris] Baker has been playing really well lately. Joe Cermak and [Rodney] Hamblin have been starting to come on strong.”

The Cyclones competed in one tournament during Spring Break, helping build the momentum. They finished 11th at the 15-team Pioneer Classic in Phoenix.

Wichita State ran away with the event with a score of 821 — 27 strokes ahead of second-place Northern Colorado (858). Indiana finished third with an 859, and Nebraska and New Mexico State rounded out the top five with scores of 863 each.

The Cyclones were led by Baker’s career-low 213 (75-67-71), which was good for a tie for 12th place.

Curtis Foster added an 18th-place finish with a 215 (73-68-74).

Hamblin’s 224 (74-76-74), Drew Dalziel’s 228 (77-79-72) and Paul Huddle’s 229 (79-75-75) rounded out the team scoring for the Cyclones. Cermak also competed, but only as an individual, finishing tied for 47th with a 222 (75-76-71).

“It’s nice when you can go out there and play well,” Baker said. “It’s always more fun when you can go out there and relax.

“When you’re playing well, you don’t have to worry about making the shots. You know you’re playing good and the shots just seem to take care of themselves.”

Baker’s freshman campaign has continued to establish itself as one of the best in Cyclone history. He has led the team in all four events this spring and in six of their nine tournaments during the year.

“Baker’s done a great job stepping up and playing good golf,” Horton said. “He kind of got forced into a leadership position with the accident last year, but he’s really handled it well.”

Even with the progress, Horton said the team can improve.

“There’s always something you can work on,” he said.

First- and second-round action gets underway Monday, with the final 18 holes to follow Tuesday.