Collegiate athletics is arguably the best level of any sport. The athletes are young, talented, and yearning for success, making the perfect formula for exciting competition. Southern California is home to some of the best Golf programs in the nation. Whether you want to play or spectate, these schools are sure to satisfy young, talented golfers.
University of Southern California
This well-known private school is home to many successful Division 1 sports. USC’s golf program is among the school’s top programs right now with the Women’s team ranked No. 2 in the country and the Men’s team ranked No. 18. The Women’s team boasts three NCAA titles along with four runner-up finishes and the Men’s team finished second as recently as 2015. The golf program at USC is primed to clinch more championships as soon as this season.
Under Head Coach Chris Zambri, the Men’s team has been in the NCAA final every season in his first nine years as head coach, notched 19 event wins, and multiple conference and regional titles. Head Coach Andrea Gaston has led the Women’s team to three NCAA championships, has coached five individual NCAA champions, and won multiple Coach of the Year awards. USC’s golf program arguably could not be in a better position with these two top coaches.
University of California, Los Angeles
UCLA is known for its pride in its athletic programs, and golf is no exception. Between the Men’s and Women’s teams, UCLA has won five NCAA Division I team championships along with five runner-up finishes. The Women’s team is currently ranked No. 1 in the country and showing no signs of slowing down. The Men’s team is fighting to get back into the Top 25, but all in all, the golf program at UCLA certainly has a lot to be proud about.
Head Coach Derek Freeman has led the Men’s team to 23 tournament wins, a national championship, and has seen two players win the Jack Nicklaus Award, which is given to the top player in collegiate golf. Head Coach Carrie Forsyth has guided the Women’s team to two national championships and has seen almost 90 of her players earn All-America honors. Needless to say, the UCLA golf program is in great hands with these two powerhouse coaches.
San Diego State
The San Diego State Men’s team is currently ranked 20th in the country while the Women’s team is in 19th. The Men’s team has had a rather dominant run under Head Coach Ryan Donovan who has coached the Aztecs to 148 tournament finishes in the Top 10, 109 finishes in the Top 5, and six appearances in the NCAA championships, along with 28 team tournament wins. Head Coach Leslie Spalding has led the Women’s team to 24 finishes in the Top 5 along with seven event wins.
Look for the SDSU golf program to continue racking up impressive results.