SWAC Champs Heading to Arkansas for NCAA Regional

SWAC Champs Heading to Arkansas for NCAA Regional

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MONTGOMERY, Ala.—The Alabama State University men’s golf team gathered Monday evening to view the 2013 NCAA Golf Regional Selection Show and it took around 10 minutes until ASU popped up on the screen with their destination;  The Blessing Golf Club in Fayetteville, Ark., with the University of Arkansas serving as host.

“Very excited about going to Arkansas and based on the teams we are playing against If we play comfortable and in control we will have our chance,” Head Coach Gary Grandison said.  “The thing is it doesn’t matter what region you play in it will be extremely competitive.  This is the big dance of golf.  Hopefully we can prepare well and we can play well enough to advance.”

There are six 54-hole regional tournaments and they will be played May 16-18.  Three of the regional championships will consist of 13 teams and 10 individuals while the other three regions will have 14 teams and five individuals.

The Hornets earned an automatic berth into the regional by winning the Southwestern Athletic Conference title last week.  They are one of six teams in this region that won an automatic berth.  Those other teams are Texas (Big 12), Kent State (Mid-American), Illinois (Big Ten), UNC-Wilmington (Colonial Athletic) and Missouri-Kansas City (Summit League).

Rounding out the regional is host Arkansas, Oklahoma State, Southern Methodist, Liberty, Tulsa, Kentucky, Colorado and Indiana.

The Hornets have won six tournaments on the season and actually have an opportunity to play on another large stage one more time before the NCAA Region when they travel to Florida this weekend for the PGA Collegiate Minority Championship.

“The talent is starting to show and this group has matured over the year,” Grandison said.  “We are hoping to continue and grow over the next two weeks.  This week is a tune up, but it is also a national championship.  This is the National Minority Championship it is a great opportunity and it is televised by Golf Channel and we’re excited about having the opportunity to represent Alabama State.”

The low five teams and the low individual not on a team from each regional will advance to the finals which will be held May 28-June 2 at The Capital City Club, Crabapple Course in Atlanta.