The University of North Alabama men’s golf team has just earned a spot in the competitive National Golf Invitational (NGI) tournament in Maricopa, Arizona. This notable event, hosted by Golfweek, kicks off on May 22 at Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club and features top teams battling for glory.
This weekend’s lineup is set for three days of intense competition. The teams will each play 18 holes over three days, culminating in a mix of skill and strategy on a par 72, 7,439-yard course.
In their recent outing at the Atlantic Sun Conference Championship, UNA finished seventh. They made a solid comeback, shooting one under par on the final day, thanks largely to junior Andrew Ferworn, who finished ninth overall. His performance included 11 birdies and an eagle across three rounds. Ferworn was particularly strong on par-5 holes, demonstrating his prowess by going five under on those stretches.
This year’s NGI includes ten carefully selected teams from various conferences, marking a significant step for UNA as they aim for their first postseason appearance as a group since 2017. The Lions are joined by strong contenders like Missouri and Grand Canyon, who are both ranked in the top 100 nationally.
Four seniors—Sebastian Bengtsson, Xing Luo, Corey Maher, and Blake Henriques—are set to make their mark in this tournament. Together, they have played a vital role in elevating the UNA golf program over the past few seasons.
Notably, this tournament’s winner gains an exemption to the Butterfield Bermuda Championship. This aspect adds an exciting twist, as participants vie not only for team recognition but also for a chance at a prestigious PGA Tour event.
Interestingly, this tournament aligns with a trend in collegiate sports where postseason opportunities are becoming more inclusive. According to a recent NCAA report, the number of teams participating in postseason events has risen by nearly 25% over the last five years, reflecting growing investment in collegiate athletics.
In another big development, head coach Austin Phillips has been appointed head coach at Old Dominion, wrapping up a successful tenure at UNA with 267 wins. He has been instrumental in guiding players to NCAA regional appearances for the first time at the Division I level.
Overall, this is a pivotal moment for the North Alabama golf team. With history on the line and a bright future ahead, fans and players alike are eager to see how they perform in this high-stakes tournament.
