As the weather begins to warm and snow begins to melt (everywhere except for Boston), club golf teams around the country are preparing for another NCCGA college golf season. With the new season rapidly approaching, it’s only right to give the best teams in the country the recognition they deserve. 28 regions around the country will begin regional tournament play in the next couple months, with the Southwest Region starting the schedule this weekend February 21/22.
The NCCGA Director of Media and Campaigns, Adam Englehorn, calculated our Spring 2015 Preseason College Golf Rankings based on the following criteria:
- Rankings are compiled using average differential scores from the previous school year. Scores from nationals are weighted heavier than regionals, and regional scores from previous seasons are taken into account as well.
- To make the Top 25 teams must have participated in both regional events from the previous season.
NCCGA Spring 2015 Preseason Top 25 College Golf Rankings
1. Florida Florida Region
2. National Southwest Region
3. Clemson Southeast Region
4. Ohio State Ohio Valley Region
5. Cincinnati Ohio Valley Region
6. Missouri-Columbia Central Region
7. Texas-Austin Texas Region
8. Providence Southern New England Region
9. Baylor Texas Region
10. Michigan Midwest Region
11. Arkansas Tech Ozark Region
12. Michigan State Midwest Region
13. Pittsburgh Atlantic Region
14. Miami of Ohio Ohio Valley Region
15. Boston College New England Region
16. Iowa Twin-Cities Region
17. GAA-Dallas Texas Region
18. Keiser Florida Region
19. Purdue Great Lakes Region
20. Notre Dame Great Lakes Region
21. Alabama South Region
22. James Madison Colonial Region
23. Arizona State Desert Region
24. Idaho Northwest Region
25. Dayton Ohio Valley Region
Other Notable Teams:, Oklahoma State University, Texas A&M University- College Station, PGCC: Hilton Head, UCLA, Baylor University (B), Central Washington University, University of South Carolina, University of Arkansas, University of Wisconsin- Madison (A), Villanova
Here’s a closer look at the Nations’ Top 10 college golf rankings:
1. University of Florida Club Golf – Florida Region
The Gators are starting this spring with a chip on their shoulder. After finishing second last semester, they felt that they could have won and are carrying that fight with them into this season. Weather is also on Florida’s side. Team President Blake Herschberger has led team practices all winter long, so the team will be ready to go come their first Regional Tournament.
2. National University Club Golf – Southwest Region
National University finished last year in 3rd place on their course at Nationals before the rain cancelled the second day of play. They are returning four players from last semester, all of whom Coach Randy Reznicek says have improved immensely. "Our players are smart. They keep the ball in play, and know when to take their bogeys rather than trying for miracle pars." This core group of players along with the fact they can play golf 12 months a year means they are a force to be reckoned with this spring.
3. Clemson University Club Golf – Southeast Region
Clemson is hot off of a Co-National Championship after their great performance last fall led by junior Corey Stamper. Stamper fired a 5 under 67 to medal by two strokes over Michigan State’s Josh Heinze. The good news is Stamper is returning, so it will be interesting to see how they respond to the pressure to repeat as National Champions.
4. Ohio State University Club Golf – Ohio Valley Region
Ohio State feels they did not perform to the best of their abilities last season. Club President Steve Schniegenberg is excited for the depth of their roster, returning all the players from both of their teams. Their goal this year is to qualify both teams for Nationals and follow in the footsteps of their football team to become National Champs. Their biggest fear is a slow start due to the bitter winter they have endured thus far.
5. University of Cincinnati Club Golf – Ohio Valley Region
The Bearcats have put together the best squad they’ve had in a while led by former varsity player Ryan Denney. Cincinnati has talent, experience, and drive, but it won’t be an easy task. They have to fight through Ohio Valley Region with teams like Ohio State, Miami, and Dayton. Their road isn’t easy, but Cincinnati will be fun to watch this spring.
6. University of Missouri–Columbia Club Golf – Central Region
Missouri will be returning all but one of their players from their Co-National Championship team last fall. Bill Donovan has high hopes yet again for his team. The talent is there, but that’s not why they are successful according to Donovan. “While our team is very talented, I think it is our team chemistry that sets us apart,” says Donovan. Look for Missouri to compete for a National Championship again at the Battle4Bryan.
7. University of Texas at Austin Club Golf – Texas Region
This will be the University of Texas’ second semester competing in the NCCGA, but that doesn’t deter their expectations. Coming off a trip to Nationals last semester, UT hopes to prevail in the Texas Region again led by returning star Carson Stepler. Texas is once again favorite in their region, but it will be a real test playing against both Baylor and the Golf Academy of America – Dallas.
8. Providence College Club Golf – Southern New England Region
The Friars are favorites to win the newly formed Southern New England Region. Providence is one of the top teams competing in the New England area, due to raw talent and the ability to practice at top courses like Wannamoisett County Club. The only obstacle Providence will face is the difficult New England winter. They hope to overcome the cold and make a run at the Battle4Bryan.
9. Baylor University Club Golf – Texas Region
Baylor has a rich tradition in the NCCGA of dominating regionally as well as on the national stage. Baylor has been working hard all winter to make another National Championship run like last spring.
10. University of Michigan Club Golf – Midwest Region
Michigan is bigger, longer, and better than ever this spring. According to Club President Geoff Welsher, they are very deep, and each player on their 16-man roster can play at or below par any given day. The Wolverines have their eyes on the Midwest regional title as well as another National Championship.
***Adam Englehorn and Jack Stephens are members of the NCCGA Student Leadership Team
