Allendale, MI—The Meadows Golf Club at Grand Valley State University will host its fifth NCAA golf championship when the Division II Women’s Golf Championship tees off on May 10. Eight schools from across the country will compete in the 72-hole medal play competition with the low four scores for each team counting in the day’s total score. In addition, individual players who scored low in regional competition but whose team didn’t qualify for the finals will be competing.
"I’m ecstatic that The Meadows at Grand Valley State University will be hosting this year’s Division II Women’s national golf championship," said tournament chair and University of Findlay Director of Athletics Steven Rackley. "Grand Valley is a member of our conference and has always been a gracious host. They have a great campus, tremendous athletic staff and are surrounded by wonderful people in Allendale." Added Rackley: "A host of women’s golf events in the past, GVSU has always done a superb job."
2002 was the last year The Meadows hosted the women’s national championship after hosting the finals in 1996 and 1998. The Division II men’s national championship was held there in 2001. "Hosting a NCAA national championship is a distinction and an honor for The Meadows and Grand Valley State University," said Terry Sack, General Manager of The Meadows. "It not only offers an intense and exciting week of high caliber golf competition but it also engenders lasting friendships and camaraderie among players, teams and their families."
Eight teams qualified for the finals including host school GVSU and nearby Ferris State University. Other schools represented are: Lynn University, Minnesota State U., Rollins College, University of Nebraska-Omaha, Western New Mexico U., and Western Washington U. Eight individuals from teams not qualifying for the finals also will join the field and compete for the medalist crown. In all, 48 players will be competing.
The three-time defending team champion is Rollins College of Winter Park, Fl. Grand Valley State’s Melissa Sneller was the individual medalist in 2005. Now graduated, Sneller will turn professional and attempt to qualify for the LPGA Tour.
Admission to the event is free and play will begin at 8 a.m. each day. Opened in 1994 and designed by Michael Hurdzan, The Meadows is located 15 miles west of downtown Grand Rapids in Allendale. Open to the public, The Meadows has earned "four and a half stars" destination ranking in Golf Digest’s prestigious bi-annual reader survey. Its Golf Academy is well-regarded for its excellent practice and teaching facilities.
For more info on The Meadows, visit www.gvus.edu/meadows/ or call 616-895-1000.
Contact:
Terry Moore
All About Golf
616-247-1931
tmoore@usxc.net
Tom Cleary
All About Golf
616-915-4267
tjcleary@aol.com
