The NCCGA Metro Region began its first season at one of the top 10 courses in New Jersey, Sand Barrens Golf Club. Located just outside of Atlantic City, Sand Barrens has 27 championship holes and offers an expansive driving range to all players. The first round took place on Saturday, October 5th on the North and South Course. The North and South Courses were playing a combined 6,638 yards with a rating of 69.8 and a slope of 135. The weather conditions were great—very sunny with a high 80—which you rarely ever see in New Jersey in October.

The region had five teams participate in their first regional tournament that was composed of 40 players. Participating teams included Rutgers University, Montclair State University, University of Delaware, Villanova University, and University of Pennsylvania. This was Delaware’s second season with the NCCGA, anticipating making it to Nationals for the second year in a row. The first round concluded with the Scarlet Knights of Rutgers leading the tournament with a score of 404 (+44). The Blue Hens of Delaware came in closely behind them with a 409 (+50). In the individual competition, Jim Campbell and Nick O’Donnell of Villanova and Bobby Andersen of Delaware paced the scoring with a 5-over par 77.

The second round started early Sunday morning on October 6th. The round was held on the North and South course again. The morning was foggy but cleared up by tee off. It was a high of 70 degrees with very little wind. Luckily, the weather was perfect all weekend and just missed the rain that came in Sunday afternoon. The Scarlet Knights were able to keep the lead shooting a 394 (+34) and taking home first place. Villanova brought in low scores leaving them in second place and a score of 403 (+43).

The individual tournament finished off with many impressive low scores and a few ties. Andersen kept the individual lead shooting an impressive 77 (+5), remaining consistent and ending the tournament with a 154 (+10). Following behind the awarded medalist, Andersen, Connor O’Brien of Rutgers and Jim Campbell and Nick O’Donnell of Villanova all came very close shooting a 156 (+12).

All-Tournament Team

Bobby Andersen (Delaware) – 154 (+10)

Jim Campbell (Villanova) – 156 (+12)

Conner O’Brien (Rutgers) – 156 (+12)

Nick O’Donnell (Villanova) – 156 (+12)

Ryan Coyne (Villanova) – 160 (+16)

Justin Lee (Rutgers) – 161 (+17)

Adam Zweig (Rutgers) – 161 (+17)

Ben Lerner (Rutgers) – 162 (+18)

Overall, the tournament went very well. The weather was perfect and the course was in immaculate condition. A big thanks goes to Doug Delaney and his outstanding staff who helped organize and set up the tournament. Hopefully Brian Hill (Montclair State) got a new 3 iron after he went Tiger style on a par 5, snapping his 3 iron over a tree on the 17th hole. Looking forward to another successful tournament as the upcoming second Metro Regional tournament approaches.