Lee University has been selected to host the 2019 NCAA Division II Women's Golf Super Regional at the Cleveland Country Club on May 6-8. The bid was approved by the NCAA this week.
There will be 12 teams and six individuals competing in the 54-hole event which will feature the top teams for the South and Southeast Regions. The competition will showcase some of the best golf programs in the NCAA D2 and often proves to be a tougher tournament than the National Tournament because of the quality of play across the Gulf South, Sunshine State and Peach Belt conferences.
"Every year the strength of the schedule in this regional rates out higher than the actual National Tournament because of the depth and quality of teams that are in this region," said Lee golf coach John Maupin.
"The Super Region is contested over three days, 18 holes each day, and at the end of the 54 holes, the top individual finisher and the top three teams will advance to the final site NCAA Championship.
Last season the Lady Flames finished in a tie for third at regionals and advanced on to the National Championship with a thrilling playoff victory over Nova Southeastern. The Lee women finished seventh at nationals recording the highest NCAA postseason finish in Lee Athletic history.
"We are thrilled to have the opportunity to host the 2019 NCAA Women's Super Regional. Having participated in it the past two seasons we have really come to understand what a special event it is, and how exciting it can be for everyone involved; coaches, players, and spectators," noted Maupin. "We are proud members of NCAA Division II, and we look forward to doing our part in helping make sure this is a well-run Championship."
The Lady Flames will host a Regional Preview next fall at the Cleveland Country Club on Oct. 1-2, 2018. The event will serve as a prelude to the Super Regional in May.
The Cleveland Country Club serves as the home course for the Lee University men's and women's golf teams. The club was established in 1924 and features an exquisitely designed 18-hole, par 72 golf course. The narrow fairways and protected greens require precision shots from tee to green and should provide a challenging yet fair stage for the top women's golf programs in the South.
"I feel strongly that Cleveland Country Club will make an excellent course/facility to host this Championship," added Maupin. "They have a tremendous staff, and the golf course is always in great shape, plus they have played host to several big championships over the years and have plenty of experience with hosting high-level tournaments. Cleveland has a strong golf community and this is an event that will fit in great with our town. I believe it will generate a lot of support throughout the area."