WICHITA -- Freshman golfer Rafael Becker will represent his country as one of five players golfing for the Brazilian national team at the South American Championships beginning on Wednesday, Nov. 25.

At more than 100 years old, the "Copa Los Andes" is regarded as one of the most prestigious tournaments in South American golf. Only nine of the continent's 10 countries compete each year as the previous year's last-place finisher is left out of the field. The tournament committee keeps a year-by-year schedule of host sites, and this year the golfers will compete in Lambare, Paraguay.

The four-day, 144-hole tournament is played in match-play format. The golfers are scheduled to play 36 holes per day in eight matches. Only four of each team's five golfers play each match. Becker played seven of the Brazil squad's eight matches in last year's competition.

"It is very tiring," Becker said of match play competition. "With match play, your mind is probably more tired than your body."

Becker said his work ethic has improved since becoming a Shocker that he is more prepared for this year's tournament.

Results will be posted to GoShockers.com as they become available.