Palm Beach County Sports Commission and Keiser University will partner to host the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Women’s Golf National Championship at PGA National Resort & Spa for the second consecutive year, from May 21-25, 2018. The event will be held on The Champion Course at PGA National, which is unquestionably one of the best and most challenging golf courses in Florida. The Champion Course features the Bear Trap, which spans three demanding holes designed by Jack Nicklaus.
A total of 29 teams, consisting of 156 golfers will travel to Palm Beach County in pursuit of a National Championship. The NAIA will crown a team and individual title during the NAIA Women’s Golf National Championship. The NAIA Women’s Golf National Championship field consists of 21 automatic qualifying teams (conference champions), eight (8) at-large team selections, and ten (10) individual qualifiers. At-large teams are selected according to the final regular season Coaches Top 25 Poll.
The NAIA Women’s Golf National Championship includes one (1) official practice round (although the teams can arrive early to play additional practice rounds if they wish) and four (4) days of competition. The tournament features a total of 72 holes of golf with a cut after 36 holes. The field of 29 teams is reduced to 17 teams and the 40 top individual golfers after the cut. The competition format is stroke play. Each team competes with five golfers (minimum of four), and the top four scores posted each day are counted toward the team standings.
Hosting this event is extra special for Palm Beach County. Keiser University, which is based in West Palm Beach, owns a rich tradition of collegiate golf as the Seahawks have won the NAIA Women’s Golf National Championship three times in school history. In 2018, Keiser University has a chance to win a title in its hometown.
“We are very proud to be bringing the NAIA Women’s Golf National Championship back to Palm Beach County,” said Kris Swogger, Athletic Director at Keiser University. “The Palm Beach County Sports Commission and Keiser University have partnered on many great events in The Palm Beaches, and we look forward to putting on an event that the community and student-athletes from around the country will enjoy.”
The Palm Beach County Sports Commission and Keiser University have hosted six (6) NAIA National Championships in a span of four (4) years. The NAIA Women’s Golf National Championship has taken place at PGA National for two straight years while the NAIA Men’s Soccer National Championship just finished a four (4) year run at the Seacrest Soccer Complex in Delray Beach.
Since 1937, the NAIA has administered programs and championships in proper balance with the overall educational experience. In 2000, the NAIA reaffirmed its purpose to enhance the character-building aspects of the sport. Through the Champions of Character program, the NAIA seeks to create an environment in which every student-athlete, coach, official and spectator is committed to the true spirit of competition.
NAIA Women’s Golf National Championship Schedule:
Monday, May 21: Practice Rounds & Opening Reception
Tuesday, May 22: Opening Round Begins at 7:30am
Wednesday, May 23: Second Round First round resumes at 10am
Thursday, May 24: Third Round Begins at 7:30am
Friday, May 25: Final Round Begins at 7:30 am
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