FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – Methodist University and the NCAA are pleased to announce the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort has been selected to host the 2013 NCAA Division III Men’s and Women’s Golf Championships. The four-day event will be held May 14-17, 2013 in Destin, Fla.
“Methodist University is again honored to host the NCAA Division III Men’s and Women’s Golf Championships,” said Methodist Director of Athletics, Bob McEvoy. “Both our athletic staff and PGA Golf Management staff look forward to providing the student-athletes, coaches and fans from across the country a great experience at a wonderful venue in Sandestin. We will run a first class event and provide outstanding lifelong memories for all of the participants.”
The national championship event marks the fourth time MU has hosted a Division III golf national championship and the second time it has hosted the combined men’s and women’s championships. Methodist previously hosted the Division III national championships in 1994 (men, King’s Grant, Fayetteville, N.C.) and 2005 (women, Pine Needles, Pinehurst, N.C.) before hosting the first ever combined event at PGA Village in Port St. Lucie, Fla. in 2009.
The tournament will feature three courses at Sandestin. The men will play one round each on The Links Course and Raven Golf Club followed by a 36-hole cut. The top 15 teams will play the final 36 holes on Raven Golf Club, host of the PGA Champions Tour’s 2006 and 2007 Boeing Championship.
The women will compete all four days at the Baytowne Golf Club. Renovated by original architect Tom Jackson in 2005, Baytowne leads golfers from beach to bay, providing some of the region’s most challenging elevation changes.
Golfweek magazine will host a preview event Oct. 14-16, 2012 for the top men’s and women’s teams in NCAA Division III.
“We are very excited we will be at Sandestin as hosts of the championship in 2013,” said Steve Conley, Methodist men’s head coach and Destin native. “Having lived and worked at Sandestin during my high school years, I know first-hand what great facilities and amenities await all of the teams.”
Conley is currently in his 25th season at the helm of the Monarchs having won 10 national championships, most recently in 2010. Tom Inczauskis will have the opportunity to host his first championship as women’s head coach next year.
“It is a tremendous honor to host the 2013 NCAA Division III Championships at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort,” Inczauskis said. “I look forward to continuing the providing of a unique and memorable experience for the student-athletes and their families by conducting the two championships simultaneously.”
The Monarchs women’s team has won 14 straight national titles and 24 championships since 1986. The event was sponsored by the National Golf Coaches Association (NGCA) from 1986-1995 and held as a joint tournament between NCAA Division II and III from 1996-1999.
For more information: www.mumonarchs.com, (910) 630-7175.
About Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is home to 30 charming neighborhoods featuring 1,300 condos, villas, town homes, and a wide-variety of hotel accommodations. The resort has more than seven miles of sugar white beaches and pristine bay front; four championship golf courses; 15 world-class tennis courts; 19 swimming pools; a 113-slip marina; children’s programs; fitness center and spa; and the Village of Baytowne Wharf, a pedestrian village featuring a host of boutique shops, casual and fine dining restaurants, nightlife and events.
For more information: www.sandestin.com
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