Westwood’s fanbase reeled in a loss to the Hoosiers on the gridiron nearly a month ago. 

But the Bruins – and their constituency – will have a chance at redemption, albeit on the greens. 

UCLA men’s golf will compete at the Fighting Irish Classic starting Sunday, where the squad will play in a 54-hole event at Warren Golf Course in South Bend, Indiana.

“One of the reasons why we’re going there is because the golf courses are different out of the Midwest,” said coach Armen Kirakossian. “That’s a big reason to go there, to expose our guys to new grasses, new environments, new weathers and temperatures.”

The Bruins will toil through a 14-team playing field, with the highest ranked team being No. 6 Tennessee. The contest will feature six teams from the Big Ten, with notable contenders being Washington, Indiana and Purdue – the latter of which finished third in the 2024 Big Ten championship. 

With the tournament in South Bend, the Bruins enter unfamiliar territory away from the West Coast, however, for sophomore Luke Powell, the tournament serves as a perfect opportunity to establish rhythm for the season.

“I’m really excited to get after it again,” Powell said. “The last couple events weren’t really how I would have liked, but it’s probably the best I’ve felt in the last six months or so.”

After finishing tied for 46th at The Tindall, Powell said the Fighting Irish Classic is a springboard to get his individual game going, adding that he strives to simultaneously improve upon the team’s fifth-place finish in Washington.

One player who already has his game going is Pablo Ereño. After winning his first ever collegiate event at The Tindall, the senior has all the momentum to keep his consistent play going.

“I mean, anytime you win in golf, I think your confidence goes up,” Kirakossian said. “Winning is so challenging in golf, so when you get an opportunity and you break through, no question his confidence has got to be soaring right now.”

After finally getting into their fall schedule, the Bruins will play two more tournaments in October before resuming play in January. But next year is on the back burner for Powell and company, who said they are intent on setting the tone early this season.

“I feel like my game’s in a really, really good spot,” Powell said. “So really looking forward to just having the opportunity to go out and compete in something that I really love.”

The Fighting Irish Classic kicks off Sunday in South Bend, Indiana.