Despite bad weather, the NCCGA hosted 12 college golf tournaments this past weekend all across the country. Only one was cancelled, North Carolina, due to the weather and Hurricane Joaquin. Three clubs secured a bid to Nationals, while several others took the all important first step by winning the first regional. However, as the song goes "It Ain't Over 'til It's Over". Close margins of victory make the second tournament even more important, as teams chase down an elusive bid to the Fall 2015 NCCGA National Championship at TPC San Antonio. Here's the rundown from this weekend.
New England Region
A rainy weekend didn't spoil the return of the University of Connecticut to NCCGA play. After missing the Spring semester, the Huskies joined the New England Region and their 91 player tournament field at Norton Country Club. Led by individual medalist Michael Thibodeau (68-73), UConn won the tournament by 20 strokes over the Providence College golf team, and Boston College. The Huskies will look to carry the momentum into next weekend (Oct 17/18) at Shining Rock, and clinch their first ever team-bid to Nationals. Rounding out the field was UConn (B), Providence (B), Bentley, Stonehill College, Rhode Island, Holy Cross, and Harvard.
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Ohio Valley Region
The second Ohio Valley tournament of the season concluded, and Miami of Ohio walked away with the first bid to nationals at TPC San Antonio. The RedHawks won the first regional by five strokes over Ohio State, but didn't give the Buckeyes a chance in the second. The 19 stroke team victory in the second tournament was led by Club President Jarrett Kreger, who finished in third place with a 78-74 weekend. Individual medalist honors were awarded to Michael Milam of the Ohio State (B) college golf team. OSU finished in second, followed by Dayton and Cincinnati. Now some perennial club golf powerhouses will be watching the rankings hoping to land a wildcard bid.
Philly Region
Fresh off a successful summer season, Delaware college golf was ready to make waves in the Philadelphia Region's season opener at Frog Hollow. However, Villanova had other things on their mind. The Wildcats pulled off a 6-stroke team victory, led by star Tyler Stahle's 74-76. Delaware's Jack Benotti finished in fifth, as the Blue Hens will look to make up the difference in the second tournament. Rounding out the field was Villanova (B), Saint Joseph's (A), Delaware (B), Rutgers (A), West Chest University of Pennsylvania, Rowan, Rutgers (B), and Rider.
Metro Region
The Metro Region had a new look for the Fall 2015 semester, growing from 4 teams to nine due to the addition of several Southern New England teams. Lafayette narrowly edged out Southern Connecticut State by three strokes to earn six points. Brendan Davis, an individual from Seton Hall, earned medalist honors with a 76-71. Lafayette's Evan Kenagy led the team with a fourth place finish. Rounding out the field was Marist College, Yale, Sacred Heart, Central Connecticut State, Montclair State, Molloy, and Southern Conneciticut State (B) college golf.
Twin Cities Region
The third season for the Twin Cities Region, and the rivalry between Iowa State and Iowa continues. After the Hawkeyes won the region last Fall, the Cyclones made an early statement with a 15-stroke victory this past weekend at The Wilds Golf Club. Regional Coordinator David Stein of Iowa State earned medalist honors, shooting a 78-71. Matt Ostdiek of the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities finished in second, followed by Dylan Petersen and Nick Rouches of Iowa college golf.
Capitol Region
Mother Nature continues to wreak havoc on the Capitol Region, sending rain during round 1 at Worthington Manor. The weather improved for the second round, and Georgetown Club Golf took advantage. The Hoyas shaved 15 strokes off their team score Day 1 to Day 2 to break free of the pack. Towson finished in second place by 8 strokes, and Maryland finished third. Perry Litwin paced the Hoyas, earning individual medalist honors with a 71-75 weekend. American University placed fourth after missing the Spring season, followed by Towson (B), Johns Hopkins, George Washington, Salisbury, and Catholic University of America.
**Travis Richardson is an NCCGA Zone Manager, and supports club golf teams all across the country. Contact him on Twitter @NCCGA.
