Wyoming golf is facing a very big week.

The Cowgirls open Mountain West Championship play today in California, while the Cowboys play their conference championship in the state of Washington beginning Friday.

Both head coaches, Josey Stender on the Cowgirl side, and Joe Jensen on the Cowboy side, have experience and talent in their respective programs.  Because of that, both coaches have a much higher level of expectation than Wyoming has had in the past.

A lot of it has to do with the new indoor practice facility. Says Stender, "from a facility standpoint, our kids can practice what they want when they want no matter the weather. The guys and gals have practiced together in the indoor, which has created a great chemistry. That facility allows us to now recruit a different type of a player. 

"GiGi (senior Gabrielle Gibson) knows how difficult it was when she first got here (without the facility), the challenge of not getting comfortable with your game until you were on the road." By the way, Gibson leads the team with a 74.7 stroke average followed by Erin Sargent at 75.6 and Megan Knadler at 77.1.  The Cowgirl record for a season is 75.6 by Juanita Rico during the 2011-12 season, so Gibson is on-pace to break that.

For the sixth consecutive season, the Mountain West's 54-hole championship, on the women's side, will be played on the Dinah Shore Tournament Course at the Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, California. 

"The course offers a traditional layout," Stender says of the Shore. "They've got lots of trees and deep rough, so you have to keep it in the fairway.  The greens are terrific, but very quick, so you have to stay below the hole. Obviously we have to be consistent, and stay out of trouble.  It would be great to get a few early birdies. I would say the course best suits Erin and Caitlyn, although Caitlyn is the only Cowgirl who hasn't played this course."

Stender's Cowgirls look to improve on last year's seventh-place finish.  "The only team we haven't faced is San Diego State," says the head coach, "but we've done a good job of going head-to-head with other league members, and we've beaten Boise State and Nevada.  But when it's all said and done, you are really playing the golf course.

"Our culture has changed here," she continues.  "We are playing with a chip on our shoulders.  I have a level of expectation with this team and each individual.  Their work ethic is unbelievable, but we understand that all five Cowgirls need to show up for us to improve in this tough field."

As on the men's side, the women's MW field is one of the best in the country.  "There's little doubt that three or four of the teams and a number of individuals will play in the postseason, according to Josey. "Four of the teams are ranked. It's always a competitive highlight for us."

Jensen and the Cowboys are embracing their league tournament as well.  According to the head coach, his team is on the bubble for post-season, but must have a good tournament in Washington.  It'll be a challenge.  Not only is there a nationally-ranked field involved as usual, but the course itself is a major challenge.  The three rounds will be played at the Gold Mountain Golf Club in Bremerton, Washington. While the Cowgirls must be concerned with the heat of Rancho Mirage, and remaining hydrated, the Cowboys will be trying to stay dry.  Weather issues can make the Bremerton course extremely difficult.

"We can have a very competitive finish," the veteran Jensen says.  "We have beaten every team in the league, so we are going in with a different feel.  Who knows what can happen over three rounds. I believe we are there," Jensen continues.  "There is a lot riding on this tournament, but we also want to enjoy the moment.  A lot has to come together for us to play in the top three, but we are capable.  We need to play three good rounds, and I believe we are ready to do that."

According to Jensen, the Cowboys' spring schedule has prepared them for this tournament and the rigors of the course.  "We have played in rain suits, and we'll probably have to play in them sometime this weekend. It is Seattle in April.  The weather there is always the unknown.  Par will be good, and maybe over par will be solid.  The course can play long, with weather the "x" factor.

"I know this, we have a really good group of guys, in all ways.  They are passionate, focused, and they enjoy having fun while playing. We are looking very forward to it. Johnny (junior Murdock) and Drew (senior McCullough) are in a strong position, and that's neat.  Ryan (assistant coach Wallen) and I have talked, and we've got to avoid over-coaching them," Jensen laughs. "If we just let them play and do what they are capable of, the Cowboys will be fine."

Here's to the two teams in brown and gold having a great week of golf.