Whereas the newest convention realignment and disbanding of the Pac-12 prompted little disruption to the common season in school golf, it’s actually made issues extra attention-grabbing from a conference-championship standpoint. Significantly on the ladies’s facet, the scattering of some traditionally elite packages has created some loaded championships fields, most arguably more durable than an NCAA regional, and doubtlessly some instant rivalries.
Wake Forest and Duke have mixed to win six of the final seven ACC girls’s titles, however now No. 1 Stanford joins the combo and is immediately the clear favourite, not solely to win convention however to repeat as NCAA champion.
Northwestern ended Illinois’ run of eight straight Huge Ten males’s titles, however now UCLA is the favourite heading into the spring.
Add the USC girls (Huge Ten) and each Arizona State groups (Huge 12) as convention newbies who’re already the top-ranked crew of their new convention.
Wanting previous the conferences, USC and South Carolina are arguably the closest pursuers of Stanford on the ladies’s facet, although the Cardinal boast seven top-50 gamers within the nation, 4 of them freshmen. As one high girls’s coach stated, “There’s Stanford, after which there’s everybody else.”
Auburn wasn’t fairly as dominant on the boys’s facet, however it’s nonetheless arguably the favourite to defend its NCAA Championship. That debate is loads nearer, although. Ole Miss was a justified No. 1 after the autumn whereas Arizona State, Oklahoma and Texas all have cheap NCAA title hopes.
Individually, Arizona State’s Josele Ballester and North Carolina’s David Ford have sped forward within the Haskins Award race whereas Florida State’s Luke Clanton and Auburn’s Jackson Koivun are every simply two PGA Tour College Accelerated factors away from PGA Tour playing cards, although fortunately for his or her groups, they wouldn’t be capable of money in till after nationals.
Right here’s all the things you should know concerning the groups and gamers within the Energy 4 conferences, and concerning the high mid-majors, heading into the second half of the 2024-25 marketing campaign:
ACC
MEN
Championship information: April 24-26, The Membership at Olde Stone, Alvaton, Kentucky
Current champions: North Carolina (2024), Georgia Tech (2023), Wake Forest (2022), Clemson (2021), Georgia Tech (2019), Georgia Tech (2018), Duke (2017), Clemson (2016), Georgia Tech (2015), Georgia Tech (2014)
Workforce rankings: North Carolina (6), Virginia (8), Georgia Tech (13), SMU (16), Notre Dame (22), Duke (24), Florida State (31), Louisville (33), Wake Forest (37), Stanford (42), North Carolina State (51), California (62), Clemson (65), Boston Faculty (97), Virginia Tech (194)
Midseason All-Convention crew: First – David Ford, North Carolina (2); Ben James, Virginia (8); Sebastian Moss, Louisville (9); Jacob Modleski, Notre Dame (18); Benjamin Reuter, Georgia Tech (30); Second – Enrique Dimayuga, SMU (34); Luke Clanton, Florida State (45); Zachary Kingsland, SMU (48); Bryan Lee, Virginia (49); William Sides, SMU (57)
What to look at: Arguably no program’s outlook has improved extra from the beginning of final fall than North Carolina’s. The Tar Heels had gaps to fill and a banged-up star in senior David Ford. However Ford overcame hip and again points to win twice and never end worse than T-8 in 4 begins, and he’s established himself as a Haskins co-favorite with Arizona State’s Josele Ballester. There are nonetheless some considerations elsewhere – sophomore Hampton Roberts is the one different participant on the roster with a number of top-25s (three) – however the truth that North Carolina was nonetheless capable of contend in massive occasions and win its personal Williams Cup is promising. … Junior Ben James has been his regular self (one win amongst 4 top-11s) and Virginia was stable with a win and three thirds, however it wants extra from seniors Deven Patel and Paul Chang, who tied for sixth at Jones Cup, as soon as the schedule ramps up this spring to get again to NCAA match play for a 3rd straight yr. … Getting junior Benjamin Reuter again after a redshirt yr was large for Georgia Tech, which misplaced Christo Lamprecht to commencement, and the Yellow Jackets’ good was actually good, evidenced by a stunning win at Olympia Fields. Nonetheless, three finishes of seventh or worse present that this squad is risky. … SMU has saved its momentum from an sudden run to nationals final spring, and although the Mustangs didn’t win within the fall, they do have a pleasant three-man basis to lean on this spring in Enrique Dimayuga, Williams Sides and Zachary Kingsland, who mixed for 2 wins and 5 top-8 finishes within the fall. … Sophomore Jacob Modleski continues to grow to be one of many high gamers within the nation, posting 5 top-11s within the fall, however regardless of two crew wins within the fall, it’s clear the Irish must step up behind him. … Florida State has been right here earlier than. Two falls in the past, the Seminoles cobbled collectively completely different lineups with gamers lacking time, but they peaked when it mattered, ending runner-up to Auburn on the NCAA Championship. Senior Luke Clanton missed the autumn opener and by no means actually acquired it going – in his school begins not less than – not ending higher than fourth in 4 begins. However Clanton shall be effective, and with senior Grey Albright just lately capturing the Jones Cup in a playoff over teammate Jack Bigham, it seems others are rounding into kind, too. When the Seminoles are at their finest, no different ACC crew has a greater high three. … Senior Sebastian Moss has been a brilliant spot for Louisville with two wins and nothing worse than T-11, however the Cardinals don’t have one other participant ranked within the high 200 nationally. … Wake Forest continues to attempt to put the items collectively with out a licensed No. 1 for the primary time shortly. The Deacs did win their house occasion within the fall, however in addition they beat only one crew at Colonial, simply their hardest event. … We knew Stanford was tremendous younger, however it was nonetheless surprising to see stud freshman TK Chantananuwat not end higher than T-19 within the fall. Once more underneath .500, the Cardinal are in line for an additional hectic spring.
Choose to win: Florida State.
WOMEN
Championship information: April 15-17, Sedgefield CC, Greensboro, North Carolina
Current champions: Wake Forest (2024), Clemson (2023), Wake Forest (2022), Duke (2021), Wake Forest (2019), Duke (2018), Duke (2017), Virginia (2016), Virginia (2015), Duke (2014)
Workforce rankings: Stanford (1), Virginia (11), Florida State (12), North Carolina (13), Wake Forest (14), Duke (18), Cal (31), Clemson (35), SMU (43), N.C. State (45), Miami (49), Virginia Tech (55), Louisville (63), Boston Faculty (66), Notre Dame (90)
Midseason All-Convention crew: First – Carolina Chacarra, Wake Forest (4); Megha Ganne, Stanford (5); Mirabel Ting, Florida State (6); Lottie Woad, Florida State (10); Meja Ortengren, Stanford (11); Second – Megan Streicher, North Carolina (18); Paula Martin Sampedro, Stanford (22); Amanda Sambach, Virginia (32); Andie Smith, Duke (33); Leigh Chien, Stanford (39)
What to look at: Stanford’s dominance continued via one other wave of key departures, as head coach Anne Walker’s finest recruiting class ever delivered early and sometimes. The 4 freshmen, led by Meja Ortengren, all ended the autumn ranked within the high 50 nationally, becoming a member of juniors Megha Ganne and Kelly Xu and sophomore Paula Martin Sampedro. Ganne missed the primary two occasions however returned to complete third and first, whereas Sampedro adopted an ultra-consistent freshman marketing campaign together with her first school win, on the Molly. As a crew, Stanford went undefeated, solely tying USC at its house event, which was an emotional week as Walker was away from the crew to be together with her school coach at Cal, Nancy McDaniel, who died from most cancers in October. … Virginia senior Amanda Sambach cooled off after beginning the autumn win-second, the identical as her crew. She must exit with a bang as a result of regardless that the Cavaliers have some good depth, they’ve not delivered a lot late in seasons. Earlier than ending third at ACCs final spring, Virginia had positioned fourth in stroke play in 5 straight convention championships whereas profitable just one match, in 2023 when it misplaced to Clemson within the remaining. … Florida State might be higher than its rating. Junior Lottie Woad continues to dominate with a win and three different top-3 finishes within the fall whereas Mirabel Ting missed two occasions however received the 2 she performed. The Seminoles are very inexperienced after that, although with a dynamic duo like they’ve, they is likely to be most able to upsetting Stanford in match play. … Regardless of graduating Kayla Smith, North Carolina continued to make strides underneath head coach Aimee Neff, recovering from an eighth at Folds of Honor to win Virginia’s occasion. Junior Megan Streicher is an Annika Award contender after 4 top-4s within the fall, and there are three top-115 gamers behind her. … Wake Forest’s rebuild gained some momentum with a fall-capping win on the Charles Schwab Problem. Senior Carolina Chacarra is again to being a first-team expertise (one win and three different top-4s) and the midseason addition of freshman Chloe Kovelesky will give the Deacs some a lot wanted depth. Possibly it’s sufficient to push Wake again into the NCAA match-play image. … There weren’t many surprises for Duke within the fall. The Blue Devils received the event they need to, largely beat who they need to, and have been led by junior Andie Smith and sophomore Katie Li (5 mixed top-11s). Count on extra of the identical within the spring, maybe somewhat higher if the freshmen proceed to develop. … A runner-up end on the Molly highlighted Cal’s fall, although it was an in any other case troublesome semester, which included the passing of the Bears’ former coach, Nancy McDaniel, to most cancers. There’s no query Cal will play impressed this spring behind standout sophomore Constance Fouillet, however it wants extra down the lineup. … After making match play finally yr’s NCAA Championship, Clemson took a step again within the fall with three finishes of seventh or worse. No Tigers are ranked higher than No. 188 individually both. … An absence of depth confirmed for SMU final fall because the Mustangs had simply 5 gamers log motion. The low was a Seventeenth-place end at Stanford – and that was with high participant Mackenzie Lee ending T-21. … Freshman Marie Madsen was a brilliant spot for N.C. State with 4 finishes of T-9 or higher. As a crew, although, the Wolfpack notched only one top-5. … Miami acquired punished for its weaker schedule, although it did cap the autumn with back-to-back wins, spectacular contemplating how younger the Hurricanes are (no seniors and simply two juniors).
Choose to win: Stanford
Huge Ten
MEN
Championship information: April 25-27, Baltimore CC, Timonium, Maryland
Current champions: Northwestern (2024), Illinois (2023), Illinois (2022), Illinois (2021), Illinois (2019), Illinois (2018), Illinois (2017), Illinois (2016), Illinois (2015), Minnesota (2014)
Workforce rankings: UCLA (10), Illinois (12), Northwestern (27), Oregon (38), USC (43), Purdue (52), Ohio State (60), Indiana (61), Michigan (72), Iowa (73), Nebraska (79), Michigan State (82), Minnesota (84), Wisconsin (101), Washington (113), Maryland (132), Rutgers (133), Penn State (148)
Midseason All-Convention crew: First – Jackson Buchanan, Illinois (13); Pablo Ereno, UCLA (14); Ashton McCulloch, Michigan State (19); Omar Morales, UCLA (21); Cameron Adam, Northwestern (33); Second – Daniel Svard, Northwestern (38); Hunter Thomson, Michigan (43); Max Herendeen, Illinois (44); Jack Vojtko, Ohio State (51); Noah Kent, Iowa (69)
What to look at: Prior to go coach Armen Kirakossian’s arrival final season, UCLA hadn’t made regionals since 2019 whereas twice ending final at Pac-12s throughout that span. However the Bruins returned to regionals and completed seventh final yr, and now they’re arguably the Huge Ten favorites behind seniors Omar Morales and Pablo Ereno, who mixed for six top-10s within the fall. … Illinois noticed its streak of eight straight Huge Ten titles finish final yr, so the Illini shall be extremely motivated to start out a brand new one. Like UCLA, Illinois is robust on the high with senior Jackson Buchanan (one win, three different top-10s) and sophomore Max Herendeen (three top-10s). But additionally just like the Bruins, there isn’t a ton of depth other than junior Ryan Voois, who had a pleasant winter with a runner-up on the Patriot All-America and ninth at Jones Cup. The final time Illinois misplaced back-to-back Huge Ten Championships was 2007-08. … The Huge Ten is shaping as much as be a two-horse race, although don’t depend out Northwestern, which bounced again from back-to-back showings outdoors the highest 10 to start out the autumn, profitable each the St. Andrews Hyperlinks Collegiate and the Clerico to cap the semester. Senior Cameron Adam is the chief, however control junior Daniel Svard, who had three top-5s within the fall. … Oregon, which misplaced some vital expertise final yr, had a couple of gamers shine at completely different occasions within the fall, together with junior Aiden Krafft profitable the season opener at Sahalee. However the Geese couldn’t put something collectively and didn’t submit a single top-3 end as a crew. … For the primary time since USC let head coach Chris Zambri go in 2020, the Trojans are exhibiting indicators of life. They received their fall opener and appear poised to not less than qualify for his or her first regional since 2021, particularly if freshman Jack Buchanan takes off after a fall the place he teased massive issues with a runner-up at Trinity Forest. … Purdue performed a whopping six occasions within the fall, profitable as soon as however struggling towards its two strongest fields. It’s clearly lacking its former No. 1 in graduated Herman Wibe Sekne. … Ohio State was at all times going to take a step again with the departures of Neal Shipley, Maxwell Moldovan and Adam Wallin, although it may’ve been worse if not for sophomore Jack Vojtko, received the East Lake Cup and posted two different top-15s. … Indiana has made 4 straight NCAA regionals, although it wants some assist behind Clay Merchent, who had two top-4s within the fall in his first school motion since September 2022 due to slipping rib syndrome. … Michigan hasn’t performed an NCAA regional since 2017 – and it’s been 14 years because the Wolverines’ final NCAA Championship berth – although this arguably is likely to be its finest likelihood at an at-large in a while. … Iowa’s path to the Huge Ten title and an NCAA regional berth simply acquired infinitely more durable with Kent opting to enter the switch portal after the autumn. Kent is not going to play for the Hawkeyes this spring earlier than becoming a member of Florida’s roster subsequent fall.
Choose to win: Illinois
EVANS, GEORGIA – APRIL 03: Jasmine Koo of America performs her tee shot on the Twelfth gap throughout the first spherical of the Augusta Nationwide Girls’s Beginner at Champions Retreat Golf Course on April 03, 2024 in Evans, Georgia. (Picture by David Cannon/Getty Pictures) (Picture by David Cannon/Getty Pictures)
WOMEN
Championship information: April 18-20, Bulle Rock GC, Havre de Grace, Maryland
Current champions: Indiana (2024), Illinois (2023), Michigan (2022), Michigan State (2021), Ohio State (2019), Michigan State (2018), Michigan State (2017), Northwestern/Ohio State (2016), Northwestern/Ohio State (2015), Michigan State/Ohio State (2014)
Workforce rankings: USC (4), Oregon (6), Northwestern (9), Michigan State (22), UCLA (28), Ohio State (29), Purdue (33), Minnesota (42), Washington (52), Maryland (64), Michigan (67), Indiana (69), Illinois (70), Wisconsin (109), Rutgers (112), Penn State (116), Iowa (123), Nebraska (177)
Midseason All-Convention crew: First – Jasmine Koo, USC (1); Catherine Park, USC (12); Kiara Romero, Oregon (14); Natasha Kiel, Purdue (19); Vivian Lu, Washington (20); Second – Suvichaya Vinijchaitham, Oregon (29); Ashley Yun, Northwestern (31); Brooke Biermann, Michigan State (36); Bailey Shoemaker, USC (49); Lauryn Nguyen, Northwestern (59)
What to look at: Just one crew proved it may dangle with Stanford within the fall, and that crew was USC, which tied the Cardinal for the win on their house golf course. Freshman Jasmine Koo received thrice and is the present favourite for the Annika Award whereas junior Catherine Park was her ordinary self (one win, two seconds). USC’s solely non-win got here at Windy Metropolis, the place Park was T-59 and the Trojans positioned third. The backend of the lineup is dicey, however arguably no crew however Stanford and perhaps South Carolina comes near USC’s high three. … If not USC, then one other former Pac-12 college is more likely to win the Huge Ten. Oregon technically didn’t win within the fall, although it did seize the stroke-play crown on the Stephens Cup and in any other case was at all times within the combine. The Geese acquired some nice stuff from their two freshmen, particularly Suvichaya Vinijchaitham, and sophomore Kiara Romero had a pair top-5s. If sophomore Ting-Hsuan Huang, who damage her wrist at Windy Metropolis, can get wholesome, Oregon can go far. … It’s onerous to consider that Northwestern has not received the Huge Ten since 2016, however this is likely to be the deepest Wildcats crew shortly. 4 gamers notched a top-5 within the fall, and that didn’t even embrace senior Lauryn Nguyen, who nonetheless had a pair of top-10s. … There’s a little bit of a drop-off after the primary three groups, although Michigan State has potential. Senior Brooke Biermann was glorious (top-11s in all 4 begins) and Alabama switch Taylor Kehoe had acclimated properly (4 top-25s). The Spartans, who nonetheless had two runner-up showings, simply want a greater fourth rating. … After reaching the NCAA remaining final spring, UCLA hit a wall this fall with no finishes higher than fourth. Senior Caroline Canales was the Bruins’ highest-ranked participant, at No. 100, and it was an enormous enhance when she determined to defer her Epson Tour standing and never enter the ultimate stage of LPGA Q-Sequence. The identical can’t be stated of first-team All-American Zoe Campos, who turned professional. UCLA can nonetheless go 5 deep, however there are consistency considerations, particularly after the autumn. … Ohio State seemed its finest to start out the autumn with a 3rd on the Folds of Honor, however the lack of a constant fifth rating damage the Buckeyes too usually. Including freshman Chloe Lam, a two-time winner in New Zealand final yr, ought to assist that. If senior Religion Choi, ranked No. 78 after the autumn, retains that degree of play up and junior Kary Hollenbaugh builds off her massive Sally victory this winter, Ohio State may shock this spring. … Purdue examined itself by enjoying a pair elite occasions within the fall, however it acquired uncovered (final at Annika, Twelfth of 15 at Windy Metropolis). That’s largely resulting from depth, as there wasn’t a lot consistency behind senior Natasha Kiel (two wins, one runner-up). … Junior Bella McCauley received an occasion and didn’t end outdoors the highest 7, together with on the Annika, for Minnesota, which doesn’t have one other participant ranked inside the highest 200. … Washington largely struggled, however a 3rd on the Molly Intercollegiate reveals this crew has extra in it. Sophomore Vivian Lu didn’t end worse than T-11 in 4 fall begins.
Choose to win: USC
Huge 12
MEN
Championship information: April 22-24, Southern Hills CC, Tulsa, Oklahoma
Current champions: Texas (2024), Oklahoma (2023), Oklahoma (2022), Oklahoma State (2021), Oklahoma State (2019), Oklahoma (2018), Texas (2017), Texas (2016), Texas (2015), Texas (2014)
Workforce rankings: Arizona State (2), Oklahoma State (9), Arizona (11), Utah (17), Texas Tech (21), Colorado (34), BYU (36), Houston (45), Kansas (46), TCU (49), Cincinnati (56), Iowa State (58), Kansas State (64), West Virginia (94), Baylor (99), UCF (152)
Midseason All-Convention crew: First – Josele Ballester, Arizona State (3); Connor Williams, Arizona State (10); Ethan Fang, Oklahoma State (20); Zach Pollo, Arizona (24); Sergio Jimenez, Utah (25); Second – Nick Mason, Kansas State (29); Tim Wiedemeyer, Texas Tech (58); Peter Kim, BYU (63); Gunnar Broin, Kansas (65); Ryan Ford, Cincinnati (66)
What to look at: Successful the final Pac-12 title final spring didn’t end in regional success as Arizona State couldn’t advance to nationals, ending sixth as the highest seed in Rancho Santa Fe, California. It was the primary time since 2014 that Arizona State didn’t qualify for the NCAA Championship. Arizona State was then thrown extra adversity this summer time with the early exit of Wenyi Ding, adopted by senior Preston Summerhays putting outdoors the highest 10 in three of 4 fall appearances. However the Solar Devils withstood, not ending outdoors the highest three when Josele Ballester was within the lineup. The reigning U.S. Beginner champion has a win and two top-5s in three begins, and the emergence of sophomore Connor Williams has helped the Solar Devils stay one of many nation’s elite. … Oklahoma State snapped the longest win drought in program historical past (19 occasions) by profitable the Stephens Cup as transfers Ethan Fang and Eric Lee have had instant impacts. Fang’s three top-8s have led a crew that’s the deepest it’s been because the departures of Eugenio Chacarra and Rasmus Neergaard-Peterson. … Arizona had a pleasant fall with a win on the Windon and a stroke-play title at St. Andrews, although now it should exchange Tiger Christensen, who turned professional after going via DP World Tour Q-Faculty this winter. The Wildcats can nonetheless go 5 deep, although juniors Zach Pollo and Filip Jakubcik nonetheless in all probability must show they are often constant stars. … Two wins to open the autumn have led to Utah’s finest nationwide rating at midseason since not less than 1990, when the college started protecting full information. Sophomore Sergio Jimenez (one win and one other top-3) is one in all 4 gamers ranked within the high 200 nationally, so the Utes have the firepower to make a 3rd NCAA Championship in 4 years. … Texas Tech’s struggles (one top-5 in three stroke-play tournaments) can largely be traced to the hunch of preseason first-team All-American Calum Scott (three finishes of T-37 or worse) and severe wrist harm to Matthew Comegys, who didn’t play in any respect within the fall and can take a medical redshirt after having surgical procedure. Scott ought to determine it out, although the Pink Raiders might want to depend on its younger guys greater than ever. … It wasn’t a brute of a fall schedule, however Colorado did what it wanted to do with a win and 4 different top-3s. Consequently, Colorado is ranked much better than the No. 102 place that it entered final spring with. Senior Dylan McDermott stays the lynchpin, however it was really fellow senior Justin Biwer who had the higher fall (4 top-8s, together with a win). … BYU in all probability would’ve been a preseason top-25 crew if not for sophomore Cooper Jones redshirting, however sixth-year senior Cole Ponich, a former AJGA standout, delivered a number of the finest golf of his school profession final fall, serving to the Cougars to a few top-4s and a 5-0 exhibiting on the Huge 12 Match Play. … Houston positive does miss the graduated Santiago de la Fuente, who ended final season ranked No. 20 nationally and helped the Cougars to a sixth-place regional end. Junior Hudson Weibel is the one present participant ranked within the high 200, although Houston did end second twice within the fall. … Senior Gunnar Broin was his ordinary self with 4 top-14 finishes within the fall, however Kansas shall be on the at-large bubble except Broin will get some extra constant assist. … TCU once more finds itself underneath .500 after falling to the rule final season in head coach Invoice Alcorn’s first season, which resulted in a last-place end at Huge 12s. This yr’s squad is healthier, with some potential comeback gamers in Scott Roden and Joe Pagdin, however it nonetheless is likely to be one other yr away.
Choose to win: Oklahoma State
LAKE ELMO, MINNESOTA – SEPTEMBER 9: Arizona State College golfer Persistence Rhodes tees off on the second gap throughout the first spherical of the 2024 ANNIKA Intercollegiate introduced by 3M at Royal Golf Membership on September 09, 2024 in Lake Elmo, Minnesota.(Picture by Adam Bettcher/Getty Pictures)
WOMEN
Championship information: April 15-17, Houston Oaks GC, Hockley, Texas
Current champions: Texas (2024), Oklahoma State (2023), Texas (2022), Oklahoma State (2021), Texas (2019), Texas (2018), Texas (2017), Oklahoma State (2016), Baylor (2015), Oklahoma (2014)
Workforce rankings: Arizona State (7), Arizona (8), Oklahoma State (21), TCU (23), Kansas (24), Houston (25), Baylor (27), Kansas State (30), Iowa State (32), UCF (36), BYU (46), Texas Tech (53), Colorado (54), Cincinnati (129)
Midseason All-Convention crew: First – Grace Kilcrease, Oklahoma State (13); Persistence Rhodes, Arizona State (27); Charlotte Again, Arizona (28); Carolina Melgrati, Arizona (34); Carla Bernat, Kansas State (37); Second – Beth Coulter, Arizona State (43); Paula Schulz-Hanssen, Arizona State (44); Sera Hasegawa, Baylor (55); Maria Jose Barragan, BYU (56); Isla McDonald-O’Brien, Arizona State (66)
What to look at: Solely 5 gamers? No downside for Arizona State, which had 4 of these gamers end the autumn ranked No. 66 or higher, together with freshman Isla McDonald-O’Brien, the third highest-ranked first-year participant not on Stanford or USC. The Solar Devils received the Windy Metropolis and didn’t end worse than fifth whereas enjoying a troublesome schedule. The one concern is senior Grace Summerhays, who didn’t end higher than T-18 in 5 fall begins. With no margin for error, Arizona State wants its lone senior to step it up if it needs to problem Stanford for the NCAA title. Within the Huge 12, this convention might be extra huge open than the rankings recommend. … In its first semester underneath new coach Giovana Maymon, Arizona received the Folds after which bookended the autumn with a match-play win at St. Andrews. Senior Carolina Melgrati and sophomore Charlotte Again mixed for six top-6 finishes. There’s some good depth as properly, so regardless that the Wildcats have been -21 photographs towards their in-state rivals within the fall, don’t depend them out of their first yr within the Huge 12. … Getting Tulsa switch Grace Kilcrease was large for Oklahoma State. The senior received as soon as amongst 5 top-10s individually. As a crew, the Cowboys have been stable, although by no means contended. In addition they wanted to climb seven spots on the ultimate day to complete seventh on the Schooner. Even when Kilcrease continues her elite play, Oklahoma State must shave some scoring averages if it needs to contend in April. … TCU received twice within the fall, although not towards the hardest fields, however there’s motive for optimism with this squad as the 2 freshmen, Camille Min-Gaultier and Gracie McGovern, trended properly with a mixed three top-11s. … Kansas received three of its 4 fall occasions, although once more, it wasn’t towards the nation’s elite. Senior Lily Hurst led the best way with three top-7s and was one in all three Jayhawks ranked within the high 120 individually. Shockingly, although, seniors Jordan Rothman (520) and Lauren Clark (318) struggled. In the event that they get issues sorted out, Kansas may take an enormous leap. … Houston was the definition of consistency within the fall. It received as soon as, was second twice and by no means completed worse than third. Additionally, it had 5 gamers ranked between Nos. 145-185 individually. … Baylor was up and down within the fall, however the Bears now get an enormous enhance with the midseason arrival of Malena Castro, who’s No. 291 in WAGR. … Kansas State continues to experience junior Carla Bernat (one win, three different top-10s), although it has no different gamers ranked inside the highest 200. … Iowa State didn’t end higher than seventh in 4 fall begins, although the Cyclones challenges themselves with a tricky schedule. … Out of all of the groups within the Huge 12, UCF is likely to be most annoyed with its fall. Junior Pimpisa Sisutham and sophomore Molly Smith mixed for 5 top-11s, but neither is ranked higher than No. 95. On the identical time the 2 heralded freshmen, Jamie Camero and Mila Jurine, solely had one top-20 in seven begins amongst them. The excellent news is there may be nonetheless loads of expertise on this crew, and the pattern was constructive after a gap eleventh at Annika. … BYU freshman Maria Jose Barragan was the convention’s finest freshman within the fall with three top-10s amongst 5 top-20s.
Choose to win: Kansas
SEC
MEN
Championship information: April 23-27, Sea Island GC (Seaside), St. Simons Island, Georgia
Current champions: Auburn (2024), Florida (2023), Vanderbilt (2022), Vanderbilt (2021), Arkansas (2019), Auburn (2018), Vanderbilt (2017), Georgia (2016), LSU (2015), Alabama (2014)
Workforce rankings: Ole Miss (1), Auburn (3), Oklahoma (4), Texas (5), LSU (7), Florida (14), Vanderbilt (15), South Carolina (18), Mississippi State (20), Alabama (25), Tennessee (26), Texas A&M (28), Georgia (30), Kentucky (88), Arkansas (89), Missouri (98)
Midseason All-Convention crew: First – Michael La Sasso, Ole Miss (4); Christiaan Maas, Texas (6); Tommy Morrison, Texas (7); Josiah Gilbert, Auburn (11); Algot Kleen, LSU (15); Second – Arni Sveinsson, LSU (17); Drew Goodman, Oklahoma (22); Jack Turner, Florida (23); Jackson Koivun, Auburn (26); Brendan Valdes, Auburn (27)
What to look at: Two seconds and two firsts helped Ole Miss finish the autumn atop the nationwide rankings. Junior Michael La Sasso righted the ship after a disastrous summer time with a win and three different top-11s whereas LSU switch Cohen Trolio closed with three straight top-10s to make an early case for comeback participant of the yr. Whereas the Rebels are fairly set with their high 5, all ranked inside the highest 100, the place they take the following step is likely to be with junior Cameron Tankersley, who posted three top-8s within the fall earlier than breaking out much more this summer time with a win on the Patriot and top-10 on the Jones Cup. If he begins profitable school tournaments, Ole Miss can beat anyone. … It’s onerous to be ranked third and nonetheless have underwhelmed, however that’s a testomony to simply how gifted Auburn is. The defending NCAA champion didn’t win a stroke-play occasion within the fall, however it additionally didn’t end worse than third. Sophomore Jackson Koivun hasn’t replicated his ultra-consistent freshman yr, however he did win at Inverness and remains to be ranked No. 26 nationally. Sophomore Josiah Gilbert has been the breakout star with a win and 4 top-15s, whereas freshman Billy Davis settled in properly after a T-51 to start his school profession. The depth continues to be foolish, and it’s why Auburn shall be within the dialog all spring. … Successful the Hogan Collegiate did loads for Oklahoma’s credibility. It is a squad with loads of stable components, however that week at Colonial, the Sooners, which additionally received two different occasions, proved it may beat anyone – together with Auburn, by six. Senior Drew Goodman and junior Jase Summy are fairly settled on the high, however the remainder of the beginning lineup will in all probability proceed to alter this spring. This shall be one in all head coach Ryan Hybl’s most difficult semesters, however Oklahoma has loads of alternatives to deliver an NCAA title contender to La Costa. … This younger Longhorns crew didn’t win a stroke-play title within the fall, however it was runner-up on the Hogan and fifth at Olympia Fields, so expertise is being garnered shortly. Juniors Tommy Morrison and Christiaan Maas are first-team All-America candidates with neither ending worse than T-14 within the fall, whereas freshman Daniel Bennett is the top-ranked participant within the nation, although he performed only one event, the Hogan, the place he positioned third. Texas’ solely concern in addition to having no seniors? It in all probability received’t run greater than 4 deep. … Two wins and a top-10 nationwide rating exceeded even LSU first-year head coach Jake Amos’ excessive expectations. Now, the Tigers should discover a contact extra consistency and get the remainder of the fellows rolling behind senior Algot Kleen and freshman Arni Sveinsson, who mixed for 2 wins and two extra runners-up within the fall. … Florida hit somewhat little bit of a wall after a scorching summer time, and a ninth-place end at Olympia Fields confirmed what can occur when the Gators don’t present up. Nevertheless it’s powerful to low cost the expertise that’s right here, particularly with senior Ian Gilligan and sophomore Jack Turner, who mixed for 3 top-8s in 5 mixed stroke-play begins. Gilligan missed the Williams Cup, the place Florida was fourth, to play the PGA Tour occasion in Las Vegas, the place he made the lower. He then received the Australian Grasp of the Amateurs this winter. What’s seemingly head coach J.C. Deacon’s high priorities this spring? Get junior Parker Bell and senior Matthew Kress going, particularly Kress, the previous walk-on who’s the lone participant left from the 2023 NCAA title crew. Kress’ finest end within the fall was T-45. … Vanderbilt misplaced somewhat momentum every outing after a stable begin to the autumn, and it’s onerous to not spotlight senior Gordon Sargent, who didn’t submit a top-10 end within the fall, the primary time he’s performed that in his school profession. Senior Jackson Van Paris has carried a lot of the load up to now, however there isn’t any doubt Sargent wants to show his sport round in a rush. Junior John Broderick had a pair top-11s early, although can he proceed to be that dependable fourth man? The fifth spot is an enormous concern, too, because the Commodores are in all probability a longshot to win SECs with out each of its first-team All-People raking. … South Carolina performed it protected with scheduling in Rob Bradley’s first season as head coach, however it’s onerous to disregard a top-20 nationwide rating. And that was even with senior Nathan Franks not posting a top-10 and ending the autumn outdoors the highest 200 individually. … Like South Carolina, Mississippi State was a pleasant shock within the fall, which was highlighted by the Bulldogs ending second at Blessings. Nonetheless, they have been 16 photographs again of LSU there, and that was the closest they got here to profitable all fall. Junior Garrett Endicott had three top-13s, however the Bulldogs want extra on the high and from the fifth spot. … Alabama roared out of the gates by profitable the Folds of Honor title, however then it crashed again to earth ending Twelfth-seventh-14th (final), albeit towards three stout fields. Stetson switch Dominic Clemons received the person title at Folds however then mimicked his crew by not ending higher than T-37 after that. With no actual No. 1 and two big-time recruits, freshmen Nicholas Gross and William Jennings, struggling, the Tide have a lot to enhance on. … Junior Lance Simpson (three top-5s) has performed his finest to hold Tennessee, however the remainder of the lineup was marked by inconsistency, and the Vols misplaced some momentum every outing within the fall. The most important concern is freshman Jackson Herrington, who twice completed outdoors the highest 60 after which withdrew from the Jones Cup with a sore knee. … After getting knocked round early, Texas A&M took benefit of some confidence boosters late, together with profitable Furman’s occasion to cap the autumn. Junior Jaime Montojo being ranked a surprising No. 482 individually in all probability explains why the Aggies haven’t been higher. … Georgia acquired loads of run with 5 fall tournaments, although it didn’t crack the highest three in any of them. The standard suspects are enjoying properly – senior Buck Brumlow and VCU switch Grayson Wooden are each top-70 gamers – however the lack of depth hurts.
Choose to win: Auburn
WOMEN
Championship information: April 14-18, Pelican GC, Belleair, Florida
Current champions: Mississippi State (2024), Texas A&M (2023), LSU (2022), Auburn (2021), Ole Miss (2019), Arkansas (2018), Florida (2017), Alabama (2016), Texas A&M (2015), Vanderbilt (2014)
Workforce rankings: Arkansas (2), South Carolina (3), Texas (5), Mississippi State (10), Vanderbilt (15), LSU (16), Texas A&M (17), Ole Miss (19), Auburn (20), Florida (26), Kentucky (34), Tennessee (40), Oklahoma (44), Alabama (58), Missouri (61), Georgia (62)
Midseason All-Convention groups: First – Maria Jose Marin, Arkansas (2); Hannah Darling, South Carolina (7); Kendall Todd, Arkansas (8); Reagan Zibilski, Arkansas (9); Farah O’Keefe, Texas (15); Second – Avery Weed, Mississippi State (16); Rocio Tejedo, LSU (17); Louise Rydqvist, South Carolina (21); Cayetana Fernandez Garcia-Poggio, Texas A&M (24); Anna Davis, Auburn (25)
What to look at: Certain, there may be the annual Blessings rankings enhance for Arkansas, however the Razorbacks received one other time whereas ending second of their different two stroke-play occasions (in addition they received the match-play title at Stephens Cup). There’s loads to like about this crew, which has three top-10 people, together with sophomore Maria Jose Marin, who received the South American Beginner by 12 photographs earlier this month. Freshman Clarisa Temelo added three top-7s, and good depth means the fifth spot shouldn’t be a difficulty come April, both. … South Carolina, which opened the autumn by profitable the Annika, was already scorching on Arkansas’ heels – and that was earlier than the Gamecocks added freshman Eila Galitsky (No. 18 in WAGR) after the autumn. Including Galtisky to a lineup that already contains senior Louise Rydqvist and a resurgent Hannah Darling (one win, three different top-11s final fall) provides South Carolina among the best trios within the nation. … Texas in all probability anticipated multiple win in head coach Laura Ianello’s first semester, however the Longhorns stay NCAA and SEC contenders. Sophomores Farah O’Keefe and Lauren Kim mixed for 4 top-3 finishes within the fall, and if senior Bo Park’s winter win on the Patriot is a sign of a comeback – Park solely performed one school occasion this yr, finally spring’s Darius Rucker (T-82) – Texas shall be a tricky out. … Sophomore Avery Weed (two wins, two different top-11s) had a breakout fall for Mississippi State, however the Bulldogs have the unlucky activity of now changing Julia Lopez Ramirez, who turned professional for Q-Sequence final winter. … Vanderbilt had 4 completely different gamers submit a top-7 end within the fall, together with sophomore Sara Im, who had three top-10s. If junior Tillie Claggett, who’s ranked No. 250 individually, improves, the Commodores are deep sufficient to make some noise in match play at SECs. … Three top-3s after which a sixth at Stanford wasn’t unhealthy in any respect for an LSU crew that misplaced Ingrid Lindblad and two different All-People. Freshman Rocio Tejedo had three top-5s within the fall to the lead the Tigers. … Texas A&M solely had three top-300 gamers after the autumn, and now a type of, Adela Cernousek, has turned professional. … Ole Miss shook off an eleventh on the Cougar Basic to win back-to-back tournaments within the fall. Senior Caitlyn Macnab had a win and a 3rd, however it’s a very younger crew behind her, which may very well be good or unhealthy because it pertains to this spring. … Auburn went 1-2-3-4 this fall, in that order, and it will possibly’t afford this spring to be so reliant on tremendous sophomore Anna Davis, who had a win and didn’t end worse than third in 4 fall begins. … Be careful for Florida this spring. The Gators haven’t reached nationals since 2019, however their deep roster arguably acquired deeper this winter as junior Karoline Tuttle, who didn’t hit a shot within the fall, received the Dixie and positioned fifth on the Sally this winter. … Kentucky solely beat one SEC opponent ranked higher than it within the fall, although the Wildcats might need a future star in freshman Elin Pudas Remler, who had three top-12s within the fall.
Choose to win: South Carolina.
Mid-majors
MEN
High groups: Pepperdine (19), South Florida (23), Charlotte (29), San Diego State (32), Faculty of Charleston (35), Lengthy Seashore State (39), Colorado State (40), Little Rock (41), UNLV (44), Marquette (47), Kennesaw State (48), Pacific (50)
High people: Kieron van Wyk, Faculty of Charleston (5); Jake Peacock, South Florida (12); Mahanth Chirravuri, Pepperdine (39); Patrick Adler, Marquette (40); Jay Pabin, Colorado State (42)
WOMEN
High groups: Georgia Southern (37), UNLV (38), San Jose State (39), UC Davis (41), Campbell (47), Pepperdine (48), Lengthy Seashore State (50)
High people: Lauren Gomez, Pepperdine (51); Catherine Rao, Pepperdine (52); Riana Mission, San Francisco (53); Davina Xanh, Cal State-Fullerton (54); Louise Reau, Georgia Southern (60)
