The first National Golf Invitational is a postseason college event that will be held May 18-21, at the Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club, in Maricopa Arizona.
The 2023 Men’s National Golf Invitational, presented in partnership with Golfweek will feature 12 college golf teams competing in an 54-hole stroke play tournament.
The teams are: Arkansas State (home), Ball State (home), George Washington, Oral Roberts State, Penn State Santa Clara, Stetson Texas State Troy Utah Valley Valparaiso Washington State and Wyoming.
“I cannot begin to describe how thrilled I am and how long I’ve been waiting to host this event. Ringler stated that the event will be taken to a new level with a host like Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club, and staff who share that same passion. Growing up as a basketball fan and my passion for college-golf helped to bring the NIT of College Golf in the NGI to life. Each May, I will look forward to this event.
Most importantly, college-level golf is ready for such a postseason event. Many schools invest a great deal of resources in their college golf program. This opportunity to compete in a postseason tournament is something that many more teams can realistically strive for.
The NCAA announced in May 2022 that it would allow colleges to participate in a single season-ending tournament, similar to the NIT for college basketball. In July 2022, was the first National Golf Invitational, created as a result of a partnership between Golfweek Ak-Chin Southern Dunes. Lance Ringler, Golfweek, served as the tournament director. The invitation-only field was determined by a committee using the Golfweek/Sagarin rankings and Golfstat, as well as teams that had strong regular season performances.
“About five years ago, I was sitting with some of my best friends brainstorming how we could make this tournament a game changer. This dream has become a reality thanks to the partnership with Golfweek and Lance, said Brady Wilson, Ak-Chin Southern Dunes’ general manager. “As an ex-basketball coach, I cannot wait to turn Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club into the Madison Square Garden for college golf. We are looking forward to creating memories and experiences that will last a lifetime for these student-athletes.
