This past weekend marked the 2018 Spring Nationals for the NCCGA (National Collegiate Club Golf Association). 348 of the best collegiate club golfers from across the country competed at Norwood Hills CC and Bogey Hills CC in St. Louis, MO. Norwood Hills has previously hosted the PGA Championship, US Senior Amateur, and this year’s Women’s Mid-Amateur.
Grand Canyon University came out on top this spring with a 14 stroke victory over the University of Georgia. Tristan Koyl, a senior on Grand Canyon’s team, sat down with me to talk about his high school golf experience and how it prepared him to play in college.
Q: How did you get introduced to golf?
A “ My dad showed me the ropes, then I took a break for five years before getting back into the game when I entered high school ”
Q: What was your experience with junior and high school golf?
A“ I played high school golf my Sophomore to Senior year for El Dorado High School in California ”
Q: Did your team ever make it to the state championship?
A “ We always fell short of state but throughout the season we were undefeated for all three years ”
Q: Would you say high school golf made the transition into college golf easier?
A “ Definitely, high school golf was one of the best times of my life and coming out here (collegiate club golf) it’s been even better ”
Q: If a national championship for high school was around when you were playing, would your team be interested in competing?
A “ Definitely – to have an opportunity to be recognized on a national level – any chance to play in a tournament with my team, always try to take advantage ”
Q: Any advice for some of the golfers that are in high school and are looking to play at the next level?
A “ Have fun – don’t let the game completely take over your life – when you are having fun and your with your friends – that’s when you play some of your best golf ”
Over Tristan’s career with club golf, he has competed in 10 rounds, competed in 3 National Championships and carded a career stroke average of 78.63. After Tristan graduates from Grand Canyon this spring, he plans to pursue a career within the golf world.
The National Collegiate Club Golf Association is the governing body for collegiate club golf. The NCCGA’s mission is to ensure that every college student has the opportunity to play golf in college This mission is accomplished through the coordination and regulation of competition locally and nationally. Over 400 colleges (and growing) compete in the NCCGA. For more information on the organization along with opportunities to play at the college level, please click on this link https://nextgengolf.org/college-golf/nccga/