Conference championship season is well underway in women’s college golf as teams from across the country compete for a chance to participate in the NCAA Championship at Omni La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad, California next month. It’s an exciting time for these teams as they vie for a spot in the postseason and a shot at the national title.
Automatic Qualifying and Postseason Selection
Teams that win their conference championship secure an Automatic Qualifying spot in the NCAA Regionals, a crucial milestone for any team hoping to secure a postseason bid. This opportunity is especially important for those teams on the bubble, as a conference title win brings them one step closer to the ultimate goal of reaching the NCAA Championship at La Costa.
Women’s College Golf Conference Championships
Below is a list of conference championships along with dates, venues, and winners. We will continue to update this list as tournaments come to a close, providing you with the latest winners and compelling storylines from each event:
Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Championship
Date: April 12-14
Host: The Club at St. James (Southport, North Carolina)
Delaware women’s golf team emerged victorious in the 2024 CAA Championship, securing their third program title. With impressive rounds of 312-305-292, they finished at 45-over 909, four strokes ahead of the tied second-place finishers Charleston and UNCW. Junior Lilia Henkel claimed the individual title after a playoff, becoming the second Blue Hen to earn this honor since Andi Slane’s consecutive victories in 2015 and 2016.
Southeastern Conference (SEC) Championship
Date: April 12-16
Host: Pelican Golf Club (Belleair, Florida)
History was made as Mississippi State women’s golf team triumphed in the SEC Championship for the first time ever. The Bulldogs secured a 3-2 victory over Texas A&M in the match-play final after an impressive performance throughout the tournament. Mississippi State entered the match-play stage as the fourth seed and defeated both Kentucky and LSU along the way. In the individual competition, Bulldogs’ junior Julia Lopez Ramirez finished strong with a final-round score of 5-under, resulting in an overall 10-under victory and her second consecutive SEC title.
Atlantic Sun Conference Championship
Date: April 14-16
Host: Hamptons Cove (Owens Cross Roads, Alabama)
Kennesaw State emerged as the victor in the 2024 Atlantic Sun Conference Championship, holding on to claim the title by a narrow two-shot margin over Lipscomb. While Lipscomb’s Lauren Thompson dominated the individual competition with an impressive performance of 11-under, Kennesaw State’s consistent performance as a team secured their victory at even-par.
Big West Conference Championship
Date: April 14-16
Host: Spanish Trail Country Club (Las Vegas, Nevada)
Long Beach State enjoyed a momentous victory in the 2024 Big West Conference Championship. Their team’s outstanding performance of 3-over resulted in a 23-shot margin of victory over runner-up Cal Poly. Jasmine Leovao of Long Beach State was the lone player to finish under par as an individual, claiming medalist honors at 4-under. Jensen Jalufka of Cal Poly secured second place at 2-over, successfully defending her individual champion title.
Missouri Valley Conference Championship
Date: April 14-16
Host: Annbriar Golf Club (Waterloo, Illinois)
Illinois State dominated the competition in the Missouri Valley Conference Championship, finishing 25-over and claiming a 12-shot victory over UIC and a 13-shot victory over Drake. Individual honors were shared by Evansville’s Kate Petrova and Illinois State’s Ali Schrock, both finishing at even-par after a full 54 holes. This victory marks Illinois State’s 15th MVC Championship, the most in the conference’s history.
Ohio Valley Conference Championship
Date: April 14-16
Host: Tunica National (Tunica, Mississippi)
Little Rock emerged triumphant in the 2024 Ohio Valley Conference Championship, finishing 47-over and securing an eight-stroke victory over Morehead State. Little Rock also showcased their dominance in the individual competition, with Anna Dawson earning medalist honors at 7-over and Eleonore Aernouts placing second at 8-over.
Southern Conference Championship
Date: April 14-16
Host: Moss Creek Golf Club – South Course (Hilton Head Island, South Carolina)
East Tennessee State claimed the Southern Conference Championship with a solid 15-over performance, finishing 13 shots ahead of second-place Samford. In the individual competition, Furman’s Anna Morgan secured the conference title, marking her fourth win of the season.
Upcoming NCAA Women’s Golf Tournaments
The following are forthcoming NCAA Women’s Golf Tournaments, with dates and hosts:
- April 14-17: Ocean Creek GCS at Fripp Island Resort (Saint Helena Island, South Carolina)
- April 15-17: Southern Hills Plantation Club (Brooksville, Florida)
- April 15-17: The Wigwam (Litchfield Park, Arizona)
- April 15-17: High Meadow Ranch (Magnolia, Texas)
- April 15-17: Bandit Golf Club (New Braunfels, Texas)
- April 15-17: The Refuge Golf Course (Flowood, Mississippi)
- April 15-18: The Lakewood Club (Point Clear, Alabama)
- April 16-18: Mission Hills Country Club (Rancho Mirage, California)
- April 18-21: Porters Neck Country Club (Wilmington, North Carolina)
- April 18-20: Houston Oaks Country Club (Hockley, Texas)
- April 19-21: Bulle Rock Golf Course (Havre de Grace, Maryland)
- April 19-21: The Stanwich Club (Greenwich, Connecticut)
- April 19-21: Disney Golf Course (Lake Buena Vista, Florida)
- April 19-21: LPGA International (Daytona Beach, Florida)
- April 19-21: Bucknell Golf Club (Lewisburg, Pennsylvania)
- April 19-21: The Rim Golf Club at Chaparral Pines (Payson, Arizona)
- April 19-21: Gold Mountain Golf Club (Bremerton, Washington)
- April 20-22: Callawassie Island (Okatie, South Carolina)
- April 20-22: Mission Inn Resort & Club (Howie-in-the-Hills, Florida)
- April 21-23: Pinnacle Golf Club (Grove City, Ohio)
- April 21-23: Palouse Ridge Golf Club (Pullman, Washington)
- April 21-23: Firekeeper Golf Course (Mayetta, Kansas)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
How many women’s teams will compete in the NCAA Championship at La Costa?
In 2024, a total of thirty women’s teams will participate in the NCAA Championship at Omni La Costa Resort and Spa, matching the number of men’s teams for the second consecutive year.
What are the benefits of winning a conference championship in women’s college golf?
Winning a conference championship grants teams an Automatic Qualifying spot in the NCAA Regionals, significantly increasing their chances of securing a postseason bid and ultimately earning a spot in the NCAA Championship. It is a major achievement and an exciting opportunity for teams aiming for national recognition.
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