In the precision-controlled world of golf, the most precious commodities are often the least tangible: confidence and consistency.

After coming off of one of the most successful fall seasons in school history, the University of Wisconsin men's golf team is looking to stay both confident and consistent in order to propel itself to a Big Ten title and a possible NCAA tournament bid this spring.

"This fall, we were able to beat a lot of top 25 teams in our tournaments," assistant coach BJ Endicott said. "Those wins gave us a real taste for what it takes to beat the really quality teams around the country. It's one thing to know that you have very talented players, but going out and showing it is another thing."

For Wisconsin, that means taking some trips to the West Coast to take on some of the Pac-10 conference powerhouses, many of which are perennially among the top teams in the country. And the Badgers did not shy away from the challenge, taking it head on and turning some heads in the process with big wins over the likes of Stanford.

"[Stanford] was ranked No. 1 in the country at the time, so that win was really important for us from a confidence standpoint," Endicott said.

Another reason for the team's success lies in its ability to play consistently at a high level. Of the five tournaments the Badgers entered this fall, UW won two — the Mid Pines Intercollegiate and the Wolverine Invitational — and placed in the top five in the others.

"In golf, it's very hard to come out on top every time. You can't always win," Endicott said. "Our goal as a team this season is to always be among the top finishers in every tournament we enter. If we consistently put ourselves in a position to win, we will have a lot of success."

For the Badgers, ranked No. 25 in the latest national poll released by Golfstat.com, the most important time to shine this season will be during their three Big Ten tournaments. Winning head-to-head matchups at Purdue, Ohio State and Michigan State will be crucial for Wisconsin's NCAA tournament seed.

"For teams in our district to make it to the [NCAA Championships], it all comes down to who you have beat head to head," Endicott said.

Wisconsin begins its preparation for the Big Ten season this weekend by traveling to North Carolina for the Pinehurst Intercollegiate.