The University of Alabama is developing a reputation for powerhouse golf programs. The men's college golf varsity team has won back-to-back NCAA championships, and the women's team won in 2012. Both are currently ranked in the Top 25 of the GolfWeek/Sagarin rankings. This weekend the Alabama club team will look to enhance that reputation at Dancing Rabbit. Ranked #27 in the NCCGA, the club is coming off strong performances in the South Region.
Was making Nationals the club's main goal coming into the season?
Making Nationals is our main goal every semester. During our meeting in the beginning of the semester, I told our team that anything short of Nationals would be a disappointment, and I couldn't be more proud of the team’s performance in both regionals.
The school has a lot of college golf talent, have you seen that reflected in the club team?
I have definitely seen the golf talent reflected in the club team. We wouldn't have 
qualified for Nationals without solid players who can post low numbers in clutch situations. Hopefully with a second appearance at Nationals, our popularity will continue to grow across campus and we will see an even greater sampling of the talent from across the University.
What are your thoughts on club golf?
Club Golf is the perfect combination of fun and competition. We provide an opportunity to play golf against great players across the nation, without the time commitment of a varsity athlete. It really is the best of both worlds. Without club golf, I would never have been able to continue playing competitive golf as a pre-med/biology major.
What do you think is the future of the NCCGA?
The future of the NCCGA is boundless. The possibilities are endless and to see the progress it has made in just two years is absolutely incredible. It would be awesome to see the NCCGA gain more publicity on some nationwide news programs like the Golf Channel, ESPN, etc.
Learn more about playing club golf
The region grew significantly from last semester, do you like the larger tournaments with more competition?
I love the larger tournaments with more competition. Seeing a fully-loaded range and over 65 golfers around the scoring table after the tournaments takes me back to my high school golf days and really sets a tournament atmosphere.
**Travis Richardson is a Zone Manager for the NCCGA, working with students to help start college golf club teams in California and the Southeastern United States. Contact Travis on Twitter @travis_richson
