Where college students go for golf

Every year the Spring Break Open is something that my team and I look forward to, not only for the golf but for much more than that. Myrtle Beach is a phenomenal area that as a college student is a great spot for any vacation, especially a golf trip with either your team or some buddies.

Week 2 Recap: 

8 regions will compete this week, with some potential upsets and unpredictable weather in the mix. Hopefully everyone enjoyed their spring breaks as well! We’ll see if playing in the Spring Break Open at The Legends Golf Resort these last 2 weeks will give some players an edge this weekend. The North Florida and Southeast regions wrap up their seasons this week, as teams look to solidify their positioning for Nationals in St. Louis!

The Northern New England Regional saw a large and competitive field as 8 teams and many individuals competed in the region's first regional qualifier trying to help start their Road to Jersey.

The NCCGA Gulf region kicked off the first round its final tournament of the semester at Beaver Creek Golf Course in Zachary, Louisiana on November 2nd. Beaver Creek Golf Course plays 6950 yards with a rating of 73.2 and slope of 131. The weather conditions were sunny with a high of about 75 with a strong wind. On any given shot, the wind could add two clubs. The two teams competing were Louisiana State University and Spring Hill College. LSU was unfortunately forced to withdraw from team play due to the absence of a fifth player, but play went on nonetheless.

Another tournament in the books makes for another successful weekend for the NCCGA. On October 5th and 6th, the Northern New England region (which consisted of UNH, BC, NU, and UVM) competed in Pembroke, NH at Pembroke Pines Country Club.

After the rain shortened Northeast regional tournament at the Links of Erie Village, the teams had thought they had seen the worst of the weather. Unfortunately, the final northeast regional tournament at Ravenwood Golf Club proved everyone wrong.

While much of the country is still cold and snowy, the weather in South Carolklklina was prime this past weekend for the Nextgengolf Spring Break Open. Over 70 players including 12 teams competed at the Legends Golf Resort in Myrtle Beach. 

The top 5 teams in the preseason poll were all in action this past weekend. The number one team Arizona State won their first regional over rival #3 Grand Canyon by 3 strokes in a classic battle at Ken McDonald Golf Course backed by TJ Kathrineberg shooting a stellar 70-65 (-9) to lead his team to victory. In the Texas region #8 Texas pulled out a Sunday charge to beat #5 Baylor by 3 strokes. Texas was supported by club president Travis Ola firing a 69-70 (-1) in the very wet conditions to be the tournament medalist. In Florida, the #2 University of Florida took care of business while also showing depth with two B team players finishing as all-tournament team players. The biggest surprise of the weekend was the shocking play on Sunday by Southern Methodist posting a 367 (+17) to finish 4th in a very loaded Texas region. Look for Southern Methodist to try and contend in their second regional on April 7th and 8th at the Texas A&M campus course.

The opening weekend of the Spring 2018 season did not disappoint! ASU, Florida and UT-Austin all took home regional wins; the Gators were ultimately named Team of the Week with some impressive scores down south. ASU's TJ Kathrineberg took Player of the Week honors, posting quality rounds of 70 + 65 = 135 (-9). We welcome 5 more regions this week, which means more teams setting their sights on St. Louis for the Spring 2018 Nationals!  

Prefacing the inaugural Club President Poll:
Similar to the "Coaches Poll" in the NCAA, we have conducted the first ever Club Presidents Poll for the NCCGA. The CP Poll was created to bring more interaction between clubs, provide a crowdsourced ranking system and stir up some 'friendly' banter. The rankings are based on total program strength (so B teams strength are incorporated into the A teams in the poll). The Presidents who participate in the vote will submit a ballot either weekly or in strategic intervals based on the amount of tournaments on a given weekend.

Here we go! After a great Fall 2017 Season and a long winter break, it's time to begin the race to St. Louis, Missouri for the National Championship and Invitational. To kick off the Spring 2018 season the Desert, North Florida, and Texas regions will all be the first to show us who’s on top. This will be a highly competitive weekend as these are projected to be some of the strongest regions in the country. Good luck everyone! Hit ‘em straight and drop those putts!

The Spring 2018 Season kicks off on the weekend of February 24th. Over 350 teams in 28 regions will soon begin their journey towards qualifying for the NCCGA National Championship and National Invitational Tournament at Norwood Hills Country Club and Bogey Hills Country Club in St. Louis, MO.  Who will take hom the NCCGA Nationals Trophy? Only time will tell.  

Each semester our staff at Nextgengolf strives to find a new, unique venue for NCCGA Nationals. Having hosted at amazing facilities like TPC San Antonio in Texas, Disney Golf Courses in Florida, and The Resort at Glade Springs in West Virginia, our goal is to find awesome golf courses that give club golfers across the country an amazing experience.

Our long standing partner GolfBuddy has always been extremely supportive of our players. This year was no different, not only do all Nextgengolf community members receive discounts on rangefinders, GolfBuddy also worked with us to support our leaders and other select players to receive the new LR7 Rangefinder. Below are just a few Nextgengolfers that got hooked up by GolfBuddy this season.