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.
NCCGA Top 25 Preseason Rankings
Spring 2018
The rankings and team analysis were compiled by the 2018 NCCGA Student Leaders Brandon Bone, Cameron Bullman, Meghan Zech and Doug Terc using information from previous seasons, National Championship & National Invitational performances. Take a look below, and let us know what you think of the rankings on Twitter @NCCGA.
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1. Arizona State University
ASU enters the spring season defending their impressive championship performance in Las Vegas. Ben Harden led the team with an incredible 68.25 stroke everage during the regular season in the fall of 2017. ASU looks to keep the momentum rolling this season to match Georgia and East Carolina as the only club teams in NCCGA history to defend their title.
2. University of Florida
Despite finishing 5th in Zone 5, Florida secured the first wild card spot to the National Championship last year and showed us why they deserved to be there. Michael Hodgins who won the individual title after firing a bogey free 67, looks to lead the gators into the spring season carrying on the momentum from their performance in Vegas.
3. Virginia Tech
The Hokies had a strong appearance in Vegas with their lowest score being 71 and not having to count any score above 76. They will be a force to reckon with if they keep that consistency going into the spring led by number 2 player in the country, Joey Jordan.
4. Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon’s A team showed us in the fall that they are one of the most consistent teams and have a stacked roster that looks to make another run in the spring season and get to St. Louis.
5. University of Alabama
Finishing just 21st during the regular season in the fall and securing one of the final spots at the national championship, the tide showed us just why they deserved to be there after finishing 5th. Keep an eye out for Alabama again this upcoming season.
6. Florida State University
FSU’s consistency and depth on their roster is what made them a force in the North Florida region in the fall and they look to keep that momentum going into the spring. Florida State will look to hold off #2 ranked Florida in their own region during the course of the regular season.
7. University of Oregon
With a finish in the Fall ‘17 season rankings at 5th and 9th in the National Championship, University of Oregon has a strong squad. Look for the Ducks to win another Northwest region title and make yet another Nationals run.
8. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Although finishing the regular season ranked 28th, University of Minnesota Twin Cities shocked everyone in Vegas with a Co-National Championship alongside Arizona State. Look for the Gophers to get to St. Louis and be legitimate contenders with Alex Beversdorf and Bobby Frazzinni leading the charge.
9. The University of Texas at Austin
After winning the 2015 Fall National Championship and tying for 10th at the Fall ‘17 National Championship, University of Texas at Austin still has some potential in the bag to pull out another clinch in the Texas region and advance to the Spring ‘18 National Championship for a great performance again. However, they will likely butt heads with Baylor and Golf Academy of America (Dallas). Watch out for some tight leaderboards!
10. Clemson University
Clemson was certainly a dark horse last year after finishing the season ranked 36th in the country. The Tigers saved their best for last as they were able to beat out the field to win the inaugural National Invitational. With an automatic bid to the National Championship, look out for Clemson to have a big year.
11. University of Georgia
Failing to three peat at the national championship in the fall the bulldogs however still finished in the top 10 which shows that they are definitely still in the hunt to win another national title entering the spring season
12. Villanova University
Finishing 7th in the season and 1st in Zone 2, Villanova put up some great numbers to get them to Nationals. Expect the Wildcats to make an appearance in the Spring ‘18 National Championship. Led by Tyler Stahle, Villanova looks to make noise is St. Louis in April.
13. University of Virginia
The Cavaliers had a pretty solid Fall ‘17 season in the Colonial region and a good performance at the National Championship. We’ll see how they play against Virginia Tech this Spring.
14. Liberty University
With a phenomenal season finishing 13th nationally and on top of Zone 4, Liberty put up some great scores but unfortunately was not able to compete at Nationals and show us their talent. Get ready for the Flames to make another great performance in the Spring ‘18 season.
15. Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo
With a stunning 12th place finish in their debut at nationals, Cal Poly is looking at the spring season to solidify their spot as a top national team. Brandon Bone (our NCCGA President) and Nate Noblitt both put together good rounds at nationals helping the team’s impressive finish.
16. University of Wisconsin-Madison
After a little hiccup at Paiute Golf Resort’s Snow course, the Badgers are excited for a new season to start over and go after a better finish at the Spring ‘18 National Championship.
17. Auburn University
With 3 national appearances in 3 years, Auburn is hoping to go 4 for 4 in the spring season of 2018.
18. Indiana University-Bloomington
Spencer Gillig and Zach Stark lead Indiana’s Bloomington campus team ranking 38th and 39th in the nation and are hoping to bring their team to nationals once again.
19. University of Michigan
The Wolverines put up a good fight in Zone 2 and won the Midwest region. Watch for U Michigan to dominate the midwest and make a serious nationals run led by Ian Martin and Luke Stull .
20. Providence College
Providence made the nationals tournament last fall for the first time in two years and after a top 20 finish is excited for another chance this spring.
21. University of Missouri
After tying for 18th place in the national tournament last fall, the University of Missouri-Columbia is looking to make their 8th national appearance this spring.
22. University of Arkansas
Finishing just below their ranking in the national tournament last fall, the University of Arkansas will be looking for a comeback in the spring season.
23. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Copeting in their first nationals tournament last fall, the Urbana-Champaign campus of the University of Illinois will be looking to attend again this spring and improve their finishing place.
24. Oklahoma State University
Ranked 5th in the nation in 2017, Oklahoma State is hoping to rise back up to the top 5 this season.
25. University of Delaware
The University of Delaware is looking to compete in their 5th national tournament and place once again in the top 20.
