If you don’t think there’s any good golf being played at the Golf Academies of America, think again! The fall tournament season sure has been an exciting one. After big wins in regional tournaments for the National Collegiate Club Golf Association (NCCGA), four Golf Academy of America club golf teams have been ranked among the best in the nation.
The NCCGA has released its 2015 Fall Rankings. Of the more than 150 college club golf teams, the Golf Academy of America has four teams ranked in the Top 15:
1. Golf Academy of America – Dallas
7. Golf Academy of America – Phoenix
10. Golf Academy of America – Myrtle Beach
14. Golf Academy of America – Orlando
So, what got each team onto the big board? A first place finish at the Texas Regional 1 tournament, which included defending National Champion Baylor, secured the nation’s top spot for Golf Academy of America’s Dallas team. The Texas Region is one of the most competitive in the NCCGA, but Dallas had plenty of help from Cory Pieper, the No. 1 individual player in the country.
“Winning the first Texas Regional tournament is an accomplishment that has brought the players on the team and the other students together at the Dallas campus,” said Dallas Campus Director Mike McDonald. “It’s something they are all really proud of.” The team intends to compete in the National Tournament this November but first has to play for a top two spot in the Texas Regional 2 tournament in order to secure its national invitation.
The Golf Academy of America squad in Phoenix is ranked 7th following a 1st Place finish at the Desert Regional 1 tournament. The team was led by strong individual play in beating teams from Arizona State and the University of New Mexico. Michael Wood won the tournament while Jacob McKinney and Devon Montoya tied for 2nd Place on the individual leaderboard. All three players are ranked in the Top 50 NCCGA Individual Player Rankings.
Golf Academy of America Myrtle Beach took 2nd in the Southeast Regional 1 tournament to earn the No. 10 national ranking. Myrtle Beach edged-out teams from Clemson and the College of Charleston in its runner-up finish thanks to strong individual play from Eric Eaton, now ranked 20th in the nation.
Players from Golf Academy of America Orlando had a tough challenge entering the North Florida Regional 1 tournament as they were up against the Spring 2015 National Champions from the University of Florida. Perseverance and a solid effort by all eight members of the Orlando team positioned it for a 3rd Place tournament finish and a No. 14 national ranking. The team looks to build upon this success and climb the rankings as they head to Gainesville for the Regional 2 tournament.
It’s no surprise how well the teams from Golf Academy of America have been performing at the regional and national levels. Students come to campus each day with a passion for golf and a willingness to sharpen their golf game. The teams have been prepared for the rigors of the NCCGA through their weekly tournaments and annual competitions included in their golf curriculum.
Portions of this post courtesy of golfacademy.edu.