THE FAB FIVE
My look at the top five school in the country right now

MEN
1. Stanford (Last week: 1)
The Cardinal earned the No. 1 seed in the upcoming Match Play event outside Tucson. It's a great opportunity to gain some team experience in the format, although I disagree with coach Conrad Ray and would have liked to have seen the event keep one day of stroke play to seed the teams, so that schools can gain experience in adapting to the transition from stroke to match play. 
Next event: Callaway Collegiate Match Play Championship, Ritz-Carlton GC, Dove Mountain, Ariz., March 21-23

2. UNLV (NR)
I can't point my finger on a go-to person for the Rebels but after winning the John Burns Invite earlier this spring and then sharing the title at home last weekend at Southern Highlands, there's no question this group is building some momentum.
Next event: Callaway Collegiate Match Play Championship, Ritz-Carlton GC, Dove Mountain, Ariz., March 21-23

3. Texas (3)
The Longhorns no doubt were hoping for better than a seventh-place finish last weekend in Las Vegas after their fireworks in Puerto Rico. No time to dwell on that, however, as Texas quickly flies off to Tucson to play in this week's NIT event, an event that's in progress.
Next event: Morris Williams Intercollegiate, University of Texas GC, Austin, Texas, April 5-6

4. Oklahoma State (2)
Do I really think the Cowboys are the fourth best team in the country? No, but after the dreadful 11th-place performance in Las Vegas, you've got to wonder about just where this group stands mentally as we get into the dog days of the spring season. Ultimately, there's too much pride on this team to believe that Southern Highlands was anything but an aberration.
Next event: Linger Longer Invitational, Reynolds Landing GC, Greensboro, Ga., March 26-28

5. Washington (4)
I give the Huskies the nod over Oregon right now, only because they have a 1-0-1 head-to-head record against the Ducks. That said, a victory in the next few weeks would go a long way to assuaging any concerns that Washington might be a notch or two below last year's Elite Eight squad.
Next event: Callaway Collegiate Match Play Championship, Ritz-Carlton GC, Dove Mountain, Ariz., March 21-23


WOMEN
1. USC (1)
Golfweek has the Trojans at No. 5. Golfstat has them at No. 5. Even the Golf World/NGCA poll has them at No. 5. So what am I missing? My eye-ball test tells me this team with three wins (one more than Arizona State and three more than UCLA) has as much talent as anyone. Are you really ready to say that there are four teams that USC would lose to if their roster is 100 percent healthy? 
Next event: Ping ASU Invitational, Karsten GC, Tempe, Ariz., April 9-11

2. Arizona State (2)
The Sun Devils are no doubt a tight knit group. Latest example? Coach Melissa Luellen is training for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer this summer in San Francisco, where she'll honor associate head coach Missy Farr-Kaye, a breast cancer survivor.
Next event: Ping ASU Invitational, Karsten GC, Tempe, Ariz., April 9-11

3. Auburn (NR)
Most impressive part about the Tigers' victory in New Orleans last weekend (their second win of the season) was that the team made eight birdies and an eagle on the final six holes at English Turn G&CC. That's what you call closing out a tournament.
Next event: Liz Murphey Collegiate Classic, University of Georgia GC, Athens, Ga., March 26-28

4. UCLA (3)
You can't argue with the fact the Bruins have impressive stats. I need to see them come through in the final round and win a title, however, before I'm ready to say they're the best team in the land, as Golfstat professes. Of course there's still time to take that next step. 
Next event: Betsy Rawls Longhorn Invitational, University of Texas GC, Austin, Texas, March 26-28

5. Alabama (4)
I have officially been silenced by the Crimson Tide, who finished third at the Tiger Wave Classic after their month-plus layoff. So much for knowing something about momentum? Now, though, can the Tide roll in Georgia next week?
Next event: Liz Murphey Collegiate Classic, University of Georgia GC, Athens, Ga., March 26-28


STAT OF THE WEEK
6
Number of subpar rounds shot by N.C.State junior Matt Hill. A year ago at this time the Canadian who went on to claim the NCAA title and national player of the year honors had nine. He then proceeded to break par in 18 of his final 19 rounds of the season.

Two points here: 1) While Hill's year has yet to live up to the season he had a year ago, it was a torrid closing stretch that earned him all his post-season accolades. Before anyone describes 2009-10 as a bust for Hill, he could once again get on a role, starting at this week's Schenkel tournament, the same event that the hot streak began at last March.
2) This year's player-of-the-year race is wide open ... so much so that any player in the country, should he get on a hot streak like Hill's last year, can snatch POY honors.
  

WHAT TO WATCH FOR


TOURNAMENT PREVIEWS
MEN
Desert Shootout
Palm Valley GC, Goodyear, Ariz. (Par 71, 7,015 yards)
March 18-20
Host: Denver
Field: Boise State, BYU, Denver, Eastern Michigan, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, Memphis, Nebraska, Northern Colorado, Northern Iowa, Pacific, Southern Utah, Utah, VCU, Wichita State, Xavier
Defending champion: Denver (-35/829) by one stroke over Tulsa; Air Force's Tom Whitney (-16/200) by one stroke over Tulsa's Nicolas Geyger and Coastal Carolina's Zack Byrd
Skinny: The host Pioneers are still looking for their first victory of the 2009-10 season. Senior Espen Kofstad also is looking for his first individual title after four top-three finishes and six top-10s.

Furman Intercollegiate
   (For live scoring, click here to link to Golfstat)
Furman University GC, Greenville, S.C (Par 72, 6,994 yards)
March 19-21
Host: Furman
Field: UAB, Appalachian State, Charleston Southern, Chattanooga, Clemson, Davidson, East Carolina, Elon, Francis Marion, Furman, Gardner-Webb, Kennesaw State, Marshall, Mississippi State, Old Dominion, Presbyterian, Rhode Island, Samford, Temple, Troy, Virginia Tech, Western Carolina, Winthrop, Wofford
Defending champion: East Carolina (+19/595) by one stroke over Furman and Virginia Tech; Furman's Austin Reeves and Daniel Bowden (+1/145)
Skinny: Do the Paladins have a home-course advantage? Not really when you consider the school has won its home event just twice (1986 and 2004) in the tournament's 39-year history.

Schenkel E-Z-Go Invitational
   (For live scoring, click here to link to Golfstat)
Forest Heights CC, Statesboro, Ga.
March 19-21
Host: Georgia Southern
Field: Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Georgia Southern, Kentucky, Louisville, LSU, Mississippi, North Carolina, N.C. State, North Florida, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Virginia
Defending champion: South Carolina (+1/865) by two strokes over N.C. State and Tennessee; N.C. State's Matt Hill (-7/209) by three strokes over South Carolina's George Bryan IV
Skinny: The historic tournament coincides this year with the opening of the Bennett-Ramsey Golf Center, a 25-acre facility houses the team clubhouse, a dedicated practice putting green, a three-green short-game area, a two-tiered practice tee, a driving range and three practice holes.

Callaway Collegiate Match Play Championship
   (For live scoring, click here to link to Golfstat)
Ritz-Carlton GC at Dove Mountain, Marana, Ariz
March 21-23
Host: GCAA
Field:

Defending champion: Middle Tennessee State over Indiana, 4-1
Skinny: Per the request of the coaches, this year's event is strictly match play with the 16 teams being seeded ahead of time. … Four of the teams that reached last year's Elite Eight at the NCAA Championship (Texas A&M, USC, Washington and Arizona State). … Course is the same one that hosted the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship last month.

Oregon Duck Invitational
Shadow Hills CC, Junction City, Ore. (Par 72, 7,020 yards)
March 22-23
Host: Oregon
Field: Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Oregon State, Pacific, San Francisco, San Jose State, Santa Clara, UC Davis, UC Riverside, Washington State 
Defending champion: Washington (-5/859) by 15 strokes over Oregon; Washington's Nick Taylor (-5/211) by one stroke over Oregon's Jack Dukeminier
Skinny: I like the Ducks' chances at home, considering their 71.49 adjusted stroke average is the best in the country and their 75.68 is the best average drop score of any team in the country. Still, the last time UO won its home event? 2004.


WOMEN
UNCW Lady Seahawk Classic
River Landing CC, Wallace, N.C. (Par 72, 6,012 yards)
Host: UNC Wilmington
Field: Appalachian State, DePaul, Elon, Jacksonville State, Longwood, UMKC, UNC Wilmington, Penn, Winthrop
Defending champion: East Tennessee State (+39/903) by six strokes over Elon; Elon's Danielle Mills (E/216) by six strokes over East Tennessee State's Laura Jansone
Skinny: Tournament celebrates its 10th year, although we wouldn' blame the UNCW folks it they were thinking about that other event they're hosting later this spring: the NCAA Women's Championship. 

Pinehurst Spring Challenge
Pinehurst No. 6, Pinehurst, N.C. (Par 72, 6,004 yards)
March 22-23
Host: Charleston
Field: Campbell, Charleston, Charleston Southern, Coastal Carolina, East Carolina, East Tennessee State, Florida State, Illinois, James Madison, Maryland, Minnesota, N.C. State, UNC Greensboro, Princeton, Richmond, SMU, Western Carolina, Wofford
Defending champion: East Carolina (+46/910) by 20 strokes over East Tennessee State; Charleston's Steffi Kirchmayr (+1/217) by four strokes over East Carolina's Emelie Lind     
Skinny: Current weather projections have temps in 60s for the two tournament days, a far cry from a year ago when snow blanketed the course and forced the cancelation of the tournament.

John Kirk/Panther Intercollegiate
Eagle's Landing CC, Stockbridge, Ga. (Par 72, 6,047 yards)
March 22-23
Host: Georgia State
Field: Arkansas State, UALR, Augusta State, Ball State, Chattanooga, Daytona State, Florida International, Georgia State, Murray State, South Alabama, Texas State, Xavier, Troy
Defending champion: Georgia State (+22/886) by nine strokes over Furman; Georgia State's Sandra Maier (E/216) by one stroke over Georgia State's Anna Scott
Skinny: Maier was just the second Georgia State player to win medalist honors in the event's previous 16 editions.

BYU at Entrada Classic
   (For live scoring, click here to link to Golfstat)
Entrada at Snow Canyon, St. George, Utah
March 22-23
Host: BYU
Field: BYU, Colorado, Colorado State, Louisville, Nebraska, New Mexico State, North Texas, Oklahoma State, Oregon State, San Diego State, Southern Utah, Weber State, Wyoming
Defending champion: Denver (+13/877) by 22 strokes over Colorado State; Denver's Dawn Shockley (E/216) by five strokes over Denver's Ellie Givens
Skinny: The tournament undergoes a small name change, adding Entrada to its title as the course prepares to host the event for the seventh year. Teams in the event are assigned home families that they'll stay with for the week. 

THE FAB FIVE
My look at the top five school in the country right now

MEN
1. Stanford (Last week: 1)
The chance to have his players gain some team match play experience is something Cardinal coach Conrad Ray is excited about. Of course, the fact he's got some quality match play players in Sihwan Kim (former U.S. Junior champ), David Chung (reigning North & South champ) and Steve Ziegler (U.S. Amateur quarterfinalist) doesn't hurt. 
Next event: Callaway Collegiate Match Play Championship, Ritz-Carlton GC, Dove Mountain, Ariz., March 21-23

2. Oklahoma State (2)
The headline reads that they finished second to Texas at the Puerto Rico Classic, but don't forget the Cowboys shot a collective 36 under par while Kevin Tway claimed medalist honors with a 17-under 199. What's that famous saying ... not too shabby!
Next event: Southern Highlands Collegiate Masters, Southern Highlands GC, Las Vegas, March 12-14

3. Texas (3)
After having seven different lineups in their seven previous tournaments, the Longhorns starting five may well be set with Cody Gribble, Bobby Hudson, Dylan Frittelli, Lance Lopez and Charlie Holland. That's what happens when you combine to shoot 42 under in your previous start.
Next event: Southern Highlands Collegiate Masters, Southern Highlands GC, Las Vegas, March 12-14

4. Washington (5)
The Huskies post a top-three finish for the sixth time this season at Fresno State on Tuesday, coming up two strokes shy of the playoff between eventual champion BYU and San Diego. Good news is they're almost always in the hunt. Bad news is they're still trying to close the deal.
Next event: Callaway Collegiate Match Play Championship, Ritz-Carlton GC, Dove Mountain, Ariz., March 21-23

5. Oregon (4)
A fourth-place showing at Fresno State would have been fine earlier this spring, before the Ducks lapped the field at USC. Still, they were only three out of first place and Eugene Wong, fresh off a third top-five finish, is making a case for the Pac-10 player of the year if not an even bigger accolade.
Next event: Oregon Duck Invitational, Shadow Hills CC, Junction City, Ore., March 22-23


WOMEN
1. USC (1)
How quickly is the season going by? The Trojans have only the one stop in Tempe before playing in the Pac-10 Championship. The thing I like about this group is its proficiency for making birdies; USC ranks second in the country with 236 and has a 22.2 percent conversion ranking.
Next event: Ping ASU Invitational, Karsten GC, Tempe, Ariz., April 9-11

2. Arizona State (2)
No doubt the talent is there for a repeat at NCAAs this spring, but you get the sense that the confidence level isn't quite the same as it was a year ago. Nothing, of course, a victory at your home tournament can't remedy.
Next event: Ping ASU Invitational, Karsten GC, Tempe, Ariz., April 9-11

3. UCLA (3)
Things set up very well for the Bruins over the next few weeks. The extra start in Austin before heading to Tempe for ASU's tourney gives them a chance to get that first win under their belt before their final duals with their Pac-10 foes.
Next event: Betsy Rawls Longhorn Invitational, University of Texas GC, Austin, Texas, March 26-28

4. Alabama (4)
You can't say the Crimson Tide isn't rested heading into New Orleans (OK, I promise it's my last shot at the long gap in their spring schedule). Seriously, though, it will be very interesting to see how this group handles the lay-off as they play in an event that has nine of the top 25 teams in the latest Golf World/NGCA coaches' poll.
Next event: Tiger-Wave Classic, English Turn GC, New Orleans, March 12-13

5. Texas A&M (5)
Julia Boland returns home this week to play in the Australian Open. She deserves the chance after the impressive spring she's having, but you hope the long trip back and forth doesn't wear her out.
Next event: Betsy Rawls Longhorn Invitational, University of Texas GC, Austin, Texas, March 26-28



STAT OF THE WEEK
12
Spot in the Golfstat Cup women's ranking held by Nova Southeastern's Sandra Changkija, making her the highest-rated Division II player. The junior from Orlando, who won her third straight tournament last week when she claimed an eight-shot victory at the Peggy Kirk Bell Invitational, is on pace to post the best finish ever by a D-II golfer in the ranking; no D-II golfer has been rated better than 21st in the end-of-the-season Cup ranking since its inception in 1995-96. Ironically it is Changkija, the two-time D-II national player of the year, who was 21st a year ago.



WHAT TO WATCH FOR



TOURNAMENT PREVIEW
MEN
Seminole Intercollegiate
  (For live scoring, click here to link to Golfstat)
Southwood GC, Tallahassee, Fla. (Par 72, 7,172 yards)
March 12-13
Host: Florida State
Field: Arkansas, Baylor, Cincinnati, Florida State, George Mason, Georgia State, Mercer, Mississippi State, North Carolina, North Texas, South Carolina, Troy, Vanderbilt, Western Carolina
Defending champion: Vanderbilt (-1/863) by one stroke over Virginia; Vanderbilt's Ryan Haselden (-3/213) by one stroke over Mississippi State's Carlos Sainz Jr.
Skinny: Tournament moves to new location after spending the last several years at Golden Eagle GC.

Southern Highlands Collegiate Masters
   (For live scoring, click here to link to Golfstat)
Southern Highlands CC, Las Vegas
March 12-14
Host: UNLV
Field: Arizona, Arizona State, Florida, Georgia, Georgia Tech, New Mexico, Oklahoma State, TCU, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, UCLA, USC, UNLV
Defending champion: UNLV  (-9/855) by one stroke over Oklahoma State; Georgia Tech's Cameron Tringale (-11/205) by five strokes over USC's Matt Giles and Oklahoma State's Morgan Hoffmann
Skinny: Another jam-packed field descends on Vegas, with the host Rebels looking to win the event for the ninth time in the last 16 years.

Pinehurst Intercollegiate
   (For live scoring, click here to link to Golfstat)
Pinehurst No. 8, Pinehurst, N.C.
March 12-14
Host: Pinehurst Resort
Field: Ball State, Belmont, Eastern Kentucky, Francis Marion, Marshall, Michigan State, UNC Greensboro, Northern Illinois, Old Dominion, Penn State, Radford, Richmond, SMU, Virginia Commonwealth, Virginia Tech
Defending champion: Penn State (-2/862) by five strokes over Virginia Tech; Penn State's T.J. Howe (-7/209) by three strokes over Virginia Tech's Drew Weaver
Skinny: No obvious choice for a favorite this year as several programs could make some noise in the sandhills of North Carolina.

General Jim Hackler Championship
   (For live scoring, click here to link to Golfstat)
TPC Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet, S.C.
March 14-15
Host: Coastal Carolina
Field: Augusta State, Coastal Carolina, Duke, East Tennessee State, Kennesaw State, Kent State, Lamar, Minnesota, UNC Wilmington, N.C. State, Pepperdine, Wake Forest
Defending champion: Wake Forest (+17/881) by 10 strokes over N.C. State; N.C. State's Matt Hill (-3/213) by three strokes over Coastal Carolina's Zack Byrd
Skinny: Could this be the event that kick-starts the Wolfpacks' Hill again in 2010? A year ago his victory in Myrtle Beach helped build momentum toward an amazing spring finish that included his NCAA individual victory.

Rio Pinar Invitational
Rio Pinar CC, Orlando
March 15-16
Host: UCF
Field: Akron, Charleston, Charlotte, Florida Atlantic, Liberty, Louisiana-Lafayette, Marquette, Miami (Ohio), Middle Tennessee State, North Florida, North Texas, South Alabama, South Florida, Southern Mississippi, Toledo, UCF, UT Arlington, Wichita State
Defending champion: UCF (-13/851) by 14 strokes over UT Arlington; UCF's Blayne Barber (-12/204) by two strokes over UT Arlington's Bobby Massa
Skinny: What a difference a year makes? The Golden Knights are without their head coach, Nick Clinard, and Barber, both gone to Auburn. In the aftermath, the team has yet to post a top-five finish in six starts in 2009-10.

Triumph at Pauma Valley
   (For live scoring, click here to link to Golfstat)
Pauma Valley CC, San Diego (Par 71, 7,077 yards)
March 15-16
Host: San Francisco
Field: Air Force, Army, Boston College, Campbell, Central Arkansas, Columbia, Hartford, Jackson State, Long Beach State, Loyola Marymount, Portland, San Francisco
Defending champion: Loyola Marymount (+4/856) by 16 strokes over British Columbia; Loyola Marymount's John Lim (-2/211) by two strokes over three other golfers
Skinny: Previous two champions have hailed from the West Coast Conference (St. Mary's in 2007; Loyola Marymount in 2009).

National Invitational Tournament
   (For live scoring, click here to link to Golfstat)
Omni Tucson National, Tucson, Ariz. (Par 72, 7,094 yards)
March 17-18
Host: Arizona
Field: Arizona, Baylor, California, Colorado State, New Mexico, Purdue, SMU, TCU, Texas, Texas Tech, Tulsa, UTEP, Wyoming
Defending champion: New Mexico (-14/850) by seven strokes over Arizona; New Mexico's Nick Geyer (-9/207) by two strokes over TCU's James Sacheck
Skinny: No school has repeated as team champions in the seven previous editions of the tournament.


WOMEN
LSU Tiger/Wave Classic
   (For live scoring, click here to link to Golfstat)
English Turn G&CC, New Orleans (Par 72, 6,186 yards)
March 12-14
Host: LSU/Tulane
Field: Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Charleston, Furman, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisville, LSU, Mississippi, Mississippi State, North Carolina, N.C. State, UNC Wilmington, Notre Dame, Purdue, TCU, Tennessee, Tulane, UCF, Vanderbilt, Virginia, Wake Forest
Defending champion: Virginia (-8/856) by five strokes over Tulane; Arkansas' Lucy Nunn (-7/209) in playoff over South Carolina's Benedicte Toumpsin and Virginia's Calle Nielson
Skinny: The two top college programs in Louisiana combine forces to host the event, bringing it to New Orleans while The University Club is under renovation. Timing couldn't be better for Tulane, coming off their victory at the Kinderlou Forest Challenge last week

Dr. Donnis Thompson Invitational
Kaneohe Klipper GC, Honolulu (Par 72, 5,907 yards)
March 15-16
Host: Hawaii
Field: Colorado State, Fresno State, Hawaii, Hawaii-Hilo, Jackson State, Nevada, North Dakota, North Texas, Northern Colorado, Nova Southeastern, Rollins, Sacramento State, San Francisco, Seattle, UTEP, Weber State
Defending champion: Texas A&M (+43/907) by six strokes over Idaho; Idaho's Kayla Mortellaro (+3/219) by one stroke over Texas A&M's Lauren Johnson
Skinny: Nova Southeastern has distanced itself from its fellow Division II rivals. Curious to see how they'll fare against this primarily D-I field some 6,100 miles from home.

THE FAB FIVE
My look at the top five school in the country right now

MEN
1. Stanford (Last week: 1)
Go figure, the Cardinal get Joseph Bramlett back in the lineup (finishing T-16) but see David Chung miss a start because of illness. Chung's absence didn't help Stanford's cause at the USC Invitational, resulting in an eighth-place finish. It was the worst of the season for Stanford, but my guess is it was also a one-time slip. 
Next event: Callaway Collegiate Match Play Championship, Ritz-Carlton GC, Dove Mountain, Ariz., March 21-23

2. Oklahoma State (2)
The Cowboys had a big weekend without even playing in a college event as former OSU stars Hunter Mahan and Rickie Fowler finish 1-2 at the PGA Tour's Waste Management Phoenix Open. Just think how deep this squad might be if Fowler had come back for his junior season in 2009-10?
Next event: Southern Highlands Collegiate, Southern Highlands GC, Las Vegas, March 12-14

3. Texas (3)
Biggest fear of any coach whose team gets hot early in the spring: Are we peaking too early? I have to believe that's crossing John Fields' mind in Austin only about every 15 minutes. That said, after talking to Bobby Hudson and Cody Gribble last week for an article in Golf World, I think the players are buying into an us vs. them mentality that could be highly motivating.
Next event: Southern Highlands Collegiate, Southern Highlands GC, Las Vegas, March 12-14

4. Oregon (NR)
I'm quoting from a press release touting the Ducks' 16-stroke victory Tuesday at the USC Invitational. "It was incredible," said head coach Casey Martin of his team's dominance. "This was a stacked field and the guys came out and just smoked them." Not sure I could have said it better.
Next event: Fresno Lexus Challenge, San Joaquin CC, Fresno, Calif., March 8-9

5. Washington (5)
OK, Husky fans … the Ducks are for real so your claim to supremacy in the Northwest (let alone in the Pac-10) is starting to be challenged. The good news is you'll get to face Oregon head-to-head in Fresno this week and it's a tournament where you're the defending champions. Looking like a better showdown by the day.
Next event: Fresno Lexus Challenge, San Joaquin CC, Fresno, Calif., March 8-9



WOMEN
1. USC (2)
The Trojans overcome a four-stroke deficit entering the final round of the Bruin Wave Invitational to win by two. The third victory of the season for USC also brings some personal redemption for Lizette Sales (fourth place) and Jennifer Song (T-10) after had their season's worst showings at the Arizona Wildcat two weeks earlier.
Next event: Ping ASU Invitational, Karsten GC, Tempe, Ariz., April 9-11

2. Arizona State (1)
Three players finish in the top 10 at the Bruin Wave, but the Sun Devils come up two strokes shy of victory. The good news is that it appears Carlota Ciganda is starting to round into form. She did the same thing this time last year and made a huge post-season impact.
Next event: Ping ASU Invitational, Karsten GC, Tempe, Ariz., April 9-11

3. UCLA (3)
Another tournament, another top-five finish, another start without a win. Losing the final-round lead at the Bruin Wave Invitational, eventually finishing in third place six strokes back of USC, has to sting for the Bruins a bit considering they co-hosted the event.
Next event: Betsy Rawls Longhorn Invitational, University of Texas GC, Austin, Texas, March 26-28

4. Alabama (4)
Almost there Crimson Tide fans. Only a few more days of waiting before you play your second spring tourney. What are we to expect? A repeat of the Lady Puerto Rico victory might a little much to expect given the more than month long layoff.
Next event: Tiger-Wave Classic, English Turn GC, New Orleans, March 12-13

5. Texas A&M (NR)
The Aggies claim their third victory of the season at the UCF Invitational. Granted the field wasn't as strong as in year's past, but a W is a W. You could make the argument that graduate student Julia Boland might be the most valuable player of any college team right now after winning her third individual title as well.
Next event: Betsy Rawls Longhorn Invitational, University of Texas GC, Austin, Texas, March 26-28




STAT OF THE WEEK
152.45
Average Golfstat rank of the teams in the field* at the Wendy's Charleston Shootout, not including the winning Georgia men's squad.

I promise, this is the last I'll mention of the tournament that the Bulldogs added mid-season. And I want to make it clear that Georgia did NOTHING outside the rules when adding the tournament after having a rain-shortened event in the fall (The Brickyard) give them a chance to schedule an additional tournament.

But …

Compare the field strength in Charleston to the five previous tournaments that Georgia has played during the 2009-10. Then compare it to the field strength in the four events the Bulldogs are going to be playing before the NCAA postseason. No doubt Chris Haack was trying to give his guys a chance to play in another event, but given what UGa is going to face in terms of competition in the next few weeks, after how they've fared thus far this season, can you honestly tell me if adding 14 wins at the Charleston event didn't at some point cross his mind?

Event                        Avg. Golfstat ranking of opponents in field**
Carpet Capital            29.6
Olympia Fields           25.57
Brickyard Collegiate    44.57
Isleworth                    25.21
Puerto Rico                47.07

Upcoming events
Southern Highlands    18.29
Linger Longer             64.0
Morris Williams          43.57        
SEC                         40.1

*Gardner-Webb, USC Upstate and Presbyterian College don't appear in the Golfstat ranking and weren't included in the calculation
**Ranking from the March 3, 2010 edition


WHAT TO WATCH FOR





TOURNAMENT PREVIEWS
MEN
Border Olympics
Laredo CC, Laredo, Texas (Par 72, 7,125 yards)
March 5-6
Host: Houston
Defending champion: Baylor (+13/877) by seven strokes over Arkansas; UT-Arlington's Bobby Massa (-5/211) by four strokes over Texas State's Jeff Gerlich
Field: Air Force, Arkansas, Auburn, Baylor, Houston, Lamar, New Mexico State, North Texas, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Rice, Texas State, UT Arlington, UTEP, UT San Antonio, Washington State
Skinny: Seems like a wide open tournament with at least four teams (Arkansas, Auburn, Oklahoma and Rice) having a shot at victory.

USF Invitational
   (For live scoring, click here to link to Golfstat)
Lake Jovita CC, Dade City, Fla.
March 6-7
Host: South Florida
Defending champion: Texas Tech (-6/858) in playoff over Florida Southern; Florida Southern's Matt Stauch and Texas Tech's Santiago Rivas (-9/207)
Field: Arkansas State, Austin Peay, Campbell, Cincinnati, Columbus State, DePaul, Eastern Michigan, Florida Atlantic, Florida Southern, Jacksonville State, Louisville, Marquette, Marshall, Middle Tennessee State, Missouri State, Nebraska, North Florida, Rhode Island, South Alabama, Troy, USF, Villanova, and Xavier.
Skinny: Can a Division II program again contend for the title against a field made of almost exclusively of D-I opponents? Florida Southern and Columbus State fans certainly hope so.

Louisiana Classics
Oakbourne CC, Lafayette, La.
March 8-9
Host: Louisiana-Lafayette
Defending champion: New Orleans (-6/858) by one stroke over Louisiana-Lafayette; New Orleans' Adam Cornelson (-6/210) in a playoff over Southeastern Louisiana's Cedric Scotto
Field: UAB, Arkansas-Little Rock, Colorado, Houston, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana-Lafayette, LSU, Memphis, New Orleans, SMU, Southeastern Louisiana, Southern Mississippi, Texas State, Tulsa
Skinny: Tournament celebrates its 25th year in 2010. Eight past champions are in the field this season.

Fresno State Lexus Golf Classic
   (For live scoring, click here to link to Golfstat)
San Joaquin CC, Fresno, Calif.
March 8-9
Host: Fresno State
Defending champion: Washington (+1/865) by five strokes over Fresno State; UC Davis' Ramie Sprinkling (-4/212) by two strokes over San Diego State's Colin Featherstone, Washington's Nick Taylor and Fresno State's Todd Angel
Skinny: Not too many college events in the country that can claim Tom Watson won them (Stanford, 1969). Other winners include Johnny Miller, Craig Stadler and Phil Mickelson.

Cleveland Golf Palmetto Invitational
Palmetto GC, Aiken, S.C. (Par 70, 6,617 yards)
March 8-9
Host: USC Aiken
Defending champion: USC-Aiken (+20/860) by 15 strokes over Liberty; Liberty's Robert Karlsson (-1/209) by one stroke over Charleston Southern's Kelvin Day
Field: Akron, Clemson, College of Charleston, East Carolina, Elon, Francis Marion, Furman, Georgia Southern, Liberty, Mercer, Presbyterian, UNC Wilmington, USC Aiken, Winthrop, Wofford, Virginia
Skinny: Clemson is staying in-state and making its first appearance in the 12-year history of the tournament.


WOMEN
Rio Verde Invitational
   (For live scoring, click here to link to Golfstat)
Rio Verde CC (Quail Run), Rio Verde, Ariz.
March 5-7
Host: Western Michigan
Defending champion: Kansas (+31/883) by 24 strokes over Arkansas-Little Rock; Kansas' Meghan Gockel (+5/218) in playoff over UALR's Sara Wikstrom
Field: Akron, Arkansas-Little Rock, Ball State, Bowling Green State, Bradley, Cincinnati, Eastern Michigan, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri State, Northern Arizona, Ohio, Penn State, Southern Illinois, Toledo, Western Michigan, Xavier
Skinny: Tournament is being held for the seventh year. No school has been able to defend its team title.

Auburn Invitational
Auburn University Club, Auburn, Ala.
March 7
Host: Auburn
Field: Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Vanderbilt
Skinny: Fall rain shortened a few tournaments freed up some dates on the schedule to put together a one-day 18-hole stroke-play event.

Administaff Lady Jaguar Intercollegiate
   (For live scoring, click here to link to Golfstat)
Forest Hills GC, Augusta, Ga. (Par 72, 5,940 yards)
March 7-8
Host: Augusta State
Field: Augusta State, Charleston Southern, Coastal Carolina, Lamar, Maryland, Mercer, Middle Tennessee, UNC Greensboro, UNC Wilmington, Southern Mississippi, Troy, Western Carolina, William & Mary, Wofford
Skinny: Event returns after being on hiatus since October 2008, moving from fall to the spring

Juli Inkster Spartan Invitational
   (For live scoring, click here to link to Golfstat)
Almaden CC, San Jose, Calif.
March 8-9
Host: San Jose State
Defending champion (2008): California (+35/899) by five strokes over San Jose State; UC Irvine's Selanee' Henderson (+2/218) by two strokes over California's Allison Goodman and Pia Halbig
Field: California, Colorado, Colorado State, Fresno State, Gonzaga, Hawaii, Long Beach State, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, San Diego State, San Francisco, San Jose State, Santa Clara, UC Davis, UC Irvine
Skinny: Host Spartans have some momentum after second-place showing at Fresno women's event last week. Meanwhile, lets hope this year's event will be a better tribute for Juli Inkster. A year ago, when the tournament was renamed in her honor, bad weather forced its cancellation.

UNLV Spring Rebel Invitational
   (For live scoring, click here to link to Golfstat)
Boulder Creek GC, Boulder City, Nev. (Par 72, 6,153 yards)
March 8-10
Host: UNLV
Defending champion: UNLV (+20/884) by two strokes Texas Tech; Georgia's Mallory Hetzel and Marta Silva Zamora (-2/214)
Field: Ball State, Baylor, BYU, Campbell, Idaho, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico State, Oregon State, Portland State, Texas, Texas State, Texas Tech, Tulsa, UNLV, Washington State, Wisconsin, Wyoming
Skinny: Since moving spring event to Boulder Creek in 2006, the host Rebels have claimed the team title twice.

THE FAB FIVE
My look at the top five school in the country right now

MEN
1. Stanford (Last week: 1)
The most impressive thing about the Cardinal thus far in 2009-10 has been the team's consistency—no finish worse than third place with five different players posting top-20 finishes. I'm looking for more of the same this week as they attempt to defend their USC Invitational title
Next event: USC Invitational, North Ranch CC, Westlake, Calif., March 1-2

2. Oklahoma State (2)
Hard to complain about a second-place finish in Puerto Rico when four players finish in top-20, including Kevin Tway's individual victory, the third of his career. Bottom line: No Cowboy shot worse than a 74 in their collective 15 rounds.
Next event: Southern Highlands Collegiate, Southern Highlands GC, Las Vegas, March 12-14

3. Texas (NR)
My beef with Texas in recent years has been lots of talent, little results. The Longhorns, however, are starting to make believers out of me after a most impressive victory in Puerto Rico. All five players finish in top 20.
Next event: Southern Highlands Collegiate, Southern Highlands GC, Las Vegas, March 12-14

4. Florida (4)
OK, Gators got the win that they wanted at home earlier this month. Let's see how they do as the favorites at the John Hayt. My prediction? They'll handle it just fine.
Next event: John Hayt Invitational, Sawgrass CC, Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., Feb. 28-March 2

5. Washington (3)
Just got pipped at the Battle at the Beach by UCLA, and that was with Nick Taylor finishing outside the top-20 for the first time in a full year. This is the time the Huskies traditionally start to shine, and playing in Fresno might set-up nicely for them.
Next event: Fresno Lexus Challenge, San Joaquin CC, Fresno, Calif., March 8-9



WOMEN
1. Arizona State (2)
Nice bounce back for the Sun Devils as they claim the rain-shortened Arizona Wildcat Invite title by 12 strokes. In contrast to their performance at the Northrup Grumman, where only one golfer finished in the top 15, four players posted top-10s, lead by Juliana Murcia's T-2.
Next event: Bruin/Wave Invitational, Robinson Ranch GC, Canyon Country, Calif., March 1-3

2. USC (1)
A 12th-place finish in Tucson was definitely not what anyone expected. Jennifer Song finishing T-41? Lizette Salas finishing T-53? Sadly for Trojan fans those aren't misprints. Thankfully, a chance at redemption is only a few days away.
Next event: Bruin/Wave Invitational, Robinson Ranch GC, Canyon Country, Calif., March 1-3

3. UCLA (3)
The Bruins remain the top team in the Golfstat head-to-head ranking, thanks to having both the low adjusted average score (72.94) and the low average drop score (76.6). The stat they'd like to work on most, however, is the one in the win column, which is currently at 0.
Next event: Bruin/Wave Invitational, Robinson Ranch GC, Canyon Country, Calif., March 1-3

4. Alabama (4)
I've got to think the women in Tuscaloosa are going a bit stir-crazy just sitting there and not having any tournaments to play in. I don't know how this will affect them when they do get back into competition, but you hope it doesn't hurt their momentum.
Next event: Tiger-Wave Classic, English Turn GC, New Orleans, March 12-13

5. Purdue (NR)
Sure, the Boilermakers finished third at the Central District Invitational, 32 strokes back of victorious Florida. They did it, however, without Maude Aimee Leblanc in their lineup. I can hear people crying my point is heresy, but I think at full-strength Purdue might have had a more favorable outcome.
Next event: Liz Murphey Collegiate, U. of Georgia GC, Athens, Ga., March 26-28



STAT OF THE WEEK
0
Number of rounds at par or worse that the Texas men counted in their Puerto Rico Classic victory this week at Rio Mar GC in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico. Accounting for all five Longhorns in the field, only two of the 15 rounds played were par or worse with eight sub-70 scores.



WHAT TO WATCH FOR
* A pair of Arizona State golfers—Philip Francis and Braxton Marquez—with will be playing at this week's PGA Tour stop, the Waste Management Open, at TPC Scottsdale, not far from campus. The two have varied backgrounds, but the event will mean something to both. Francis is in the midst of a redshirt season after transferring from UCLA. The former U.S. Junior champion, who is playing in his sixth tour event, will no doubt just be excited to get in a little competition.

As for Marquez, his participation is even more poignant. His family's catering business has worked at the event for a number of years, with Marquez himself pitching in and helping on various odd jobs. Sadly, Marquez' father, Randy, died last March after being diagnosed with liver cancer, providing Braxton all the incentive in the world to make the most of his appearance in the event.



TOURNAMENT PREVIEW
MEN
USC Collegiate Invitational
   (For live scoring, click here to link to Golfstat)
North Ranch CC, Westlake Village, Calif.
Feb. 28-March 2
Host: USC
Defending champion: Stanford (-13/839) by 10 strokes over BYU; Stanford's Steve Ziegler (-9/204) by one stroke over Pepperdine's Andrew Putnam
Field: Arizona State, BYU, California, Charlotte, Fresno State, Oregon, Oregon State, Pepperdine, San Diego, San Diego State, Stanford, UC Davis, UCLA, USC
Skinny: Not trying to pick on Charlotte here, but the 49ers chances of winning are near zero. Why? Because only once in the 32 years of the event has a team east of the Mississippi claimed the title (Tennessee, 2005).

John Hayt Collegiate Invitational
   (For live scoring, click here to link to Golfstat)
Sawgrass CC, Ponte Vedra, Fla. (par 72, 6,895 yards)
Feb. 28-March 2
Host: North Florida
Defending champion: LSU (+21/885) by eight strokes over Arizona State;  LSU's John Peterson (-2/214) by two strokes over LSU's Andrew Loupe, Alabama's Hunter Hamrick and Coastal Carolina's Zack Byrd
Field: UAB, Alabama, UCF, Coastal Carolina, Duke, Florida, Furman, Georgia Southern, LSU, Mercer, N.C. State, North Florida, TCU, Tennessee, Tulsa
Skinny: The 18-year-old tournament is played on one of the tougher courses that collegiate teams face. To wit, the last team to finish under par at the event was South Carolina back in ... 2004.

Braveheart Classic
Oak Valley GC, Beaumont, Calif. (Par 72, 7,003 yards)
March 1-2
Host: UC Riverside
Defending champion: Oregon (+11/875) by seven strokes over Southern Utah; Southern Utah's Nate Page (-1/215) by two strokes over five others
Field: Arizona, CSU Bakersfield, CSU Fullerton, CSU Northridge, Gonzaga, La Verne, Long Beach State, Loyola Marymount, Minnesota, Portland, Sacramento State, Santa Clara, Southern Utah, UC Riverside, UC Santa Barbara
Skinny: Can Arizona or Minnesota, the highest profile teams in the field, use the event to springboard their spring seasons, as Oregon did in 2009?

Seahawk Intercollegiate
CC of Landfall (Nicklaus), Wilmington, N.C. (Par 72, 7,058 yards)
March 1-2
Host: UNC Wilmington
Defending champion: New event
Field: Augusta State, Davidson, Drexel, East Carolina, Georgia State, James Madison, North Carolina, UNC Wilmington, South Carolina, VCU Wake Forest, William & Mary
Skinny: Moved Landfall event to the spring with the club hosting the NCAA women's preview last October.


WOMEN
Fresno State Lexus Classic
   (For live scoring, click here to link to Golfstat)
Copper River CC, Fresno, Calif.
March 1-2
Host: Fresno State
Defending champion: UC Irvine (+27/891) by one stroke over San Francisco; Santa Clara's Miki Ueoka (-7/209) by three strokes over Long Beach State's Kay Hoey
Field: Boise State, Cal Poly, CSU Fullerton, Eastern Washington, Fresno State, Gonzaga, Nevada, Portland State, Sacramento State, San Jose State, Santa Clara, Seattle, UC Davis, UC Irvine
Skinny: Coach Angie Cates-Moore specifically decided to push Fresno State's home tournament down the Bulldogs' schedule, playing on the road to open the spring at the Peg Barnard Classic, so that they wouldn't knocking the rust off their competitive games but would have already had a few rounds under their collective belts when playing in front of their fans.

Kinderlou Forest Challenge
   (For live scoring, click here to link to Golfstat)
Kinderlou Forest, Valdosta, Ga.
March 1-2
Host: Kennesaw State/Kentucky
Defending champion: New event
Field: Arkansas, Chattanooga, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Kennesaw State, Kent State, Kentucky, LSU, Mississippi, Mississippi State, North Carolina, Ohio State, South Carolina, Tennessee, Tulane, Vanderbilt, Virginia
Skinny: Impressive field for a first-year event, with seven top-25 teams from the most recent Golf World/NGCA coaches' poll.

Bruin Wave Invitational
   (For live scoring, click here to link to Golfstat)
Robinson Ranch GC, Santa Clarita, Calif. (Par 72, 6,282 yards)
March 1-3
Host: Pepperdine/UCLA
Defending champion: New event
Field: Arizona, Arizona State, BYU, CSU Northridge, Long Beach State, New Mexico, New Mexico State, Oregon, Oregon State, Pepperdine, San Diego State, San Francisco, Stanford, UCLA, UNLV, USC, Washington, Washington State
Skinny: West Coast neighbors help organize this new tournament. Might feel like a Pac-10 Conference preview event consider nine of the 10 schools are in the field (only one missing: California).

THE FAB FIVE
My look at the top five school in the country right now

MEN
1. Stanford (Last week: 1)
As if the Cardinal weren't already confident after winning in Hawaii earlier this month to start their spring season, the squad heads to North Ranch CC knowing it won the team title there a year ago and it was the course where Steve Ziegler picked up his first college victory.
Next event: USC Invitational, North Ranch CC, Westlake, Calif., March 1-2

2. Oklahoma State (2)
A healthy Peter Uihlein will keep the disappointing Mauna Lani performance from becoming a lingering distraction. Just a hunch here, but I think the Cowboys are going to be rather ornery on the island this weekend.
Next event: Puerto Rico Classic, Rio Grande CC, Rio Mar, Puerto Rico, Feb. 21-23

3. Washington (3)
One-stroke loss to UCLA at this week's Battle at the Beach hurts but the Huskies can take some solace: Chris Williams' share of medalist honors makes him the third freshman in UW history to win an individual title.
Next event: Fresno Lexus Challenge, San Joaquin CC, Fresno, Calif., March 8-9

4. Florida (NR)
OK, Gators, that was the kind of victory (18-stroke triumph over Florida State at last weekend's Gator Invitational) I wanted to see. Looks like a lot of players are finding their form in Gainesville.
Next event: John Hayt Invitational, Sawgrass CC, Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., Feb. 28-March 2

5. California (5)
The Bears are back in Hawaii after skipping the event last year. Good news for Cal fans: Stephen Hale won the event in 2008.
Next event: John Burns Intercollegiate, Leilehua GC, Wahiawa, Hawaii, Feb. 17-19



WOMEN
1. USC (1)
The Trojans appear to be at full strength, with Belen Mozo's shoulder seemingly pain free. If Andrea Gaston can solidify the No. 4 and 5 spots, watch out.
Next event: Arizona Wildcat Invitational, Arizona National GC, Tucson, Feb. 22-23

2. Arizona State (2)
The Sun Devils only had one player finish in the top 15 at the Northrup Grumman Regional Challenge (Juliana Murcia, T-7). The last tournament that happens for ASU? That was 17 months ago at the 2008 Mason Rudolph.
Next event: Arizona Wildcat Invitational, Arizona National GC, Tucson, Feb. 22-23

3. UCLA (3)
The status of Stephanie Kono's back gives reason for Bruins fans to be a bit concerned, although Carrie Forsyth was being safe rather than sorry by holding her out at Palos Verdes. The extra lag time between the first and second spring event will help.
Next event: Bruin/Wave Invitational, Robinson Ranch GC, Canyon Country, Calif.

4. Alabama (4)
After the Crimson Tide captured their first title of the season at Lady Puerto Rico, my guess is they would have preferred not to have to wait nearly a month before their next tournament.
Next event: Tiger-Wave Classic, English Turn GC, New Orleans, March 12-13

5. Pepperdine (5)
The roster is a bit thin with just five players, but if Laurie Gibbs gets the output she did at the Northrup Grumman from Lisa McCloskey and Taylore Karle, they might have all the depth they need.
Next event: Arizona Wildcat Invitational, Arizona National GC, Tucson, Feb. 22-23


STAT OF THE WEEK, Part I
20
Strokes under par on the par-71 Ocean North course at Pelican Hill GC in Newport Coast, Calif., that the foursome of UCLA's Pontus Widegren (64) and Gregor Main (71), Arkansas' David Lingmerth (64) and Jamie Marshall (65) combined to post Feb. 16 during the final round of the Battle at the Beach. The Bruins claimed the team title by one stroke over Arkansas and Washington.

STAT OF THE WEEK, Part II
7
Number of players that shot 67 or lower in the final round at Pelican Hill. By comparison, there were only five scores of 67 or lower during the first two rounds of the event.



WHAT TO WATCH FOR
* The Georgia men's squad finished the fall with a head-to-head record of 27-22-2, good enough to qualify for NCAA Regional play but not good enough to keep for being a tad bit nervous as the spring season begins. So it was that coach Chris Haack has reinforced his lineup with the January additions of Australia's Bryden Macpherson and New Zealand's Scott McAlpine, hoping the two can provide the spark that the team has been missing after the graduations of Brian Harman and Adam Mitchell and the decision to redshirt Hudson Swafford.

Macpherson will see his first action this weekend as he made the starting five that will be playing in Puerto Rico. He'll need to be as good as advertised (he's ranked 36th in the Scratch Players World Amateur Ranking) seeing that Georgia will also be without All-American Russell Henley this week, who is out sick and isn't expected to be traveling with the squad.

* A year and a half after finishing up her college career at Duke, Jennifer Pandolfi returns to college golf next week at the Ann Rhoads Classic in Alabama. The Pensacola, Fla., area native who turns 24 on March 10 has been named women's coach at Division II West Florida, which opens the season in the tournament hosted by Birmingham Southern. Pandolfi replaces Robin Dezarn, who is moving into an administration role at UWF as athletic coordinator. Pandolfi had originally joined the West Florida team last fall assisting in travel and instruction.



TOURNAMENT PREVIEW
MEN
John Burns Intercollegiate
Leilehua GC, Wahiawa, Hawaii
Feb. 17-19
Host: Hawaii
Defending champion: Texas A&M (28-under 836) by three strokes over New Mexico; New Mexico's James Erkenbeck (11-under 205) by one stroke over Arizona's Tarquin Macmanus
Field: Arizona, BYU, BYU-Hawaii, California, Denver, Fresno State, Hawaii, Hawaii-Hilo, Hawaii Pacific, Nevada, New Mexico, SMU, UC Santa Barbara, UNLV, UTEP, Texas A&M
Skinny: Tournament in its 34th year is named in honor of the former Hawaii governor who worked to get Hawaii athletics to a competitive level with the rest of the country.

Puerto Rico Classic
Rio Mar CC River Course, Rio Grande, Puerto Rico (Par 72, 6,902 yards)
Feb. 21-23
Host: Purdue
Defending champions: Georgia (38-under 826) by 12 strokes over Clemson; Texas' Dylan Fritelli and Georgia's Hudson Swafford (12-under 204)
Field: Alabama, Clemson, East Tennessee State, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Kent State, Michigan, UNC Greensboro, Northwestern, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Ohio State, Purdue, Texas, Virginia Tech
Skinny: Last year's red numbers were unusual for just how low they were, although generally it takes double-digit sub-par scores to win this event.

Mobile Bay Intercollegiate
   (For live scoring, click here to link to Golfstat)
Magnolia Grove GC, Mobile, Ala.
Feb. 21-23
Host: South Alabama
Defending champions: Mississippi State (24-over 888) by nine strokes over South Alabama; Illinois State's Joe Emerich (one-under 215) by four strokes over Mississippi State's Josh Bevel
Field: Akron, Arkansas State, Belmont, Illinois State, Iowa State, Jacksonville, Kennesaw State, Kentucky, Louisville, Memphis, Middle Tennessee State, MIssissippi, Mississippi State, South Alabama, South Florida, Southern Mississippi, Toledo, Vanderbilt
Skinny: Event moves to February after being held in March the past three years.



WOMEN
Edwin Watts/Kiawah Island Classic
   (For live scoring, click here to link to Golfstat)
Cougar Point (Par 72, 6,007 yards) and Oak Point (Par 72, 5,957 yards)
Kiawah Island, S.C.
Feb. 21-23
Host: College of Charleston
Defending champions: Miami and Central Arkansas (40-over 904); Central Arkansas’ Nicole Forshner and East Tennessee State’s Sinead O’Sullivan (two-over 218)
Field: Akron, Augusta State, Bucknell, Campbell, Central Arkansas, Charleston, Charleston Southern, The Citadel, Drake, East Carolina, East Tennessee State, Elon, Florida International, Illinois State, Jacksonville State, Kansas, Kennesaw State, Maryland, Mercer, Miami (Fla.), MIddle Tennessee State, Minnesota, Missouri Sate, Morehead State, Old Dominion, Oral Roberts, Oregon State, Richmond, South Carolina State, Southern Illinois, Toledo, USC Upstate, Western Carolina, Wichita State, William & Mary
Skinny: Just your typical, run-of-the-mill, 35-team tournament. In the second-year of this mega-tournament, teams will play 18 holes on each course with the top 20 teams playing Cougar Point the final day and the remainder back at Oak Point.

Arizona Wildcat Invitational
   (For live scoring, click here to link to Golfstat)
Arizona National GC, Tucson (Par 71, 6,146 yards)
Feb. 22-23
Host: Arizona
Defending champions: UCLA (five-over 869) by nine strokes over Arizona State and USC; New Mexico's Jodi Ewart and USC's Lizette Salas (three-under 213)
Field: Arizona, Arizona State, Auburn, California, Denver, Duke, New Mexico, Oklahoma State, Oregon, Pepperdine, Stanford, Tennessee, Tulane, UNLV, USC, Washington
Skinny: Tournament moves back to Tucson after being held last year in Mexico. Four of the top 10 teams in the country, according to the most recent Golf World/NGCA coaches' poll, are competing.

Central District Invitational
   (For live scoring, click here to link to Golfstat)
River Wilderness CC, Parrish, Fla. (Par 72, 6,099 yards)
Feb. 22-23
Host: Michigan State
Defending champions: Auburn (18-over 882) by three strokes over LSU; LSU's Megan McChrystal (three-under 213) by one stroke over Auburn's Candace Schepperle
Field: Arkansas, Florida, Kent State, LSU, Michigan, Michigan State, Missouri, Northwestern, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Purdue, South Carolina, TCU, Texas, Texas A&M
Skinny: The Midwest's annual migration to Florida. First time we get to see Michigan State and Purdue going head-to-head the spring.

THE FAB FIVE
My look at the top five school in the country right now

MEN
1. Stanford (2)
Cardinal steps up in final round at Mauna Lani, shooting two-under to hold off Pac-10 foes Oregon and Washington to claim their third title of the 2009-10 season.
Next event: USC Invitational, North Ranch CC, Westlake, Calif., March 1-2

2. Oklahoma State (1)
Surprisingly slow start for the Cowboys (11-over 299 in first round) put them too far back to claim title at Mauna Lani, finishing fifth. Chances weren't helped by the fact that Peter Uihlein, whose worst round of the fall was a 75, shot 80-75-79 to finish T-85.
Next event: Puerto Rico Classic, Rio Grande CC, Rio Mar, Puerto Rico, Feb. 21-23

3. Washington (3)
Huskies should be OK with T-2 finish in Hawaii, but considering they were leading entering the final round, this could be considered one that got away.
Next event: Battle at the Beach, Pelican Hills GC, Newport Beach, Calif., Feb. 14-16

4. Oregon (NR)
Share of second at Mauni Lani was the Ducks fifth top-five finish in five tournaments this season. Daniel Miernicki and Eugene Wong showing there's no such thing as a sophomore slump with top-10 finishes for second straight tournament.
Next event: USC Invitational, North Ranch CC, Westlake, Calif., March 1-2

5. California (NR)
Maybe a stretch considering the Golden Bears' fall schedule was a bit lacking. Still, they won their third title (Arizona Invitational) of the 2009-10 campaign (a single-season school record) in impressive fashion. Cal has a chance to prove it's no fluke at the John Burns.
Next event: John Burns Intercollegiate, Leilehua GC, Wahiawa, Hawaii, Feb. 17-19



WOMEN
1. USC (3)
That's a pretty good statement the Trojans made in taking the team title yesterday Northrup Grumman Regional Challenge. Jennifer Song ends her winning streak at two, but a T-2 finish is pretty strong. Same for Lizette Salas (T-5) and Belen Mozo (T-12). Amazingly this is the first time USC has won the NGRC.
Next event: Arizona Wildcat Invitational, Arizona National GC, Tucson, Feb. 22-23

2. Arizona State (1)
Not the start coach Melissa Luellen was hoping for, as the Sun Devils finished tied for fourth at Palos Verdes after winning there a year ago. The team's depth is going to be put to the test this spring.
Next event: Arizona Wildcat Invitational, Arizona National GC, Tucson, Feb. 22-23

3. UCLA (2)
The Bruins played without Stephanie Kono in the Northrop Grumman and finished T-4 after closing with a disappointing 303. Replacing a first-team All-American isn't easy.
Next event: Bruin/Wave Invitational, Robinson Ranch GC, Canyon Country, Calif.

4. Alabama (NR)
Crimson Tide gets first victory of the 2009-10 with 11-stroke triumph over Purdue at Lady Puerto Rico Classic. Their 872 score tied for the fifth-best 54-hole total in school history.
Next event: Tiger-Wave Classic, English Turn GC, New Orleans, March 12-13

5. Pepperdine (NR)
Led by medalist Lisa McClosky and Taylore Karle (T-2), the Waves claim runner-up finish at Northrup Grumman Regional Challenge.
Next event: Arizona Wildcat Invitational, Arizona National GC, Tucson, Feb. 22-23


STAT OF THE WEEK
3
Number of teams that went improved on a record of .500 or worse to better than .500 with their play at the Jacksonville Invitational. Winner East Tennessee State, runner-up Wake Forest and third-place finisher Clemson all used the event at the TPC Sawgrass Players Stadium course to improve on so-so fall finishes.
                     End of fall        After JU Invite
ETSU            26-36-2/.421     40-36-2/.525
Wake            25-25-2/.500      38-26-2/.696
Clemson        9-19-1/.500       31-21-1/.594



WHAT TO WATCH FOR
* I had been an admitted skeptic about the Alabama women's team, thinking their final fall ranking (No. 9 in the Golf World/NGCA coaches' poll) was a bit high for a team that had no wins and only one top-five finish in four starts. To their credit, however, the Crimson Tide played solidly in taking the title at the Lady Puerto Rico Classic. Look at their schedule, though, raises a new concern for me: Alabama doesn't play its next tournament until March 12 at the Tiger/Wave Classic. It's a full month for any momentum to unfortunately subside. Their confidence will likely remain, but you wish there weren't such a long layoff until their second spring start.

* On the men's side, I have felt the same way about Florida, ranked fourth in the Golf World/Nike Golf coaches' poll to end the fall despite having no victories. The Gators did finish second at Isleworth, an impressive feat, but I need more convincing particularly after a so-so finish at Arizona to start the spring (Coach Buddy Alexander himself described it as "pretty mediocre.")

This weekend is the chance for Florida to do that convincing as they host the SunTrust Gator Invitational for the 33rd time. Given their track record at home (23 times they've won the team title, including the past six consecutive years), I fully expect them to win. Yet considering there only seem to be a handful of teams in the field good enough to stay with Florida (Duke, LSU and Florida State), the Gators have a chance not just to win but to do so with some authority. A double-digit win could finally make a few people believers that Florida is a legitimate threat to claim the national title.

One other note: Florida freshman Tommy Mou hadn't played all fall and there was talk that he might be redshirted this season. Yet after winning the New Year's Invitational amateur event early in January, Mu played as an individual in Arizona and finished T-11. It will be interesting to see if Alexander puts him in the starting lineup this weekend or has him play as an individual as he did in Arizona.



TOURNAMENT PREVIEW
MEN
Big Ten Match Play
Heron Bay GC, Coral Springs, Fla. (Par 72, 7,268 yards)
Feb. 12-13
Host: Northwestern
Defending champion: Indiana beat Michigan in the championship match, 3.5-2.5
Field: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Northwestern, Ohio State, Penn State, Purdue, Wisconsin
Skinny: The Fighting Illini are the top-seed, with No. 2 Iowa, No. 3 Michigan, No. 4 Minnesota and No. 5 Indiana get first-round byes.

SunTrust Gator Invitational
   (For live scoring, click here to link to Golfstat)
Mark Bostick GC at University of Florida, Gainesville, Fla. (Par 70, 6,701 yards)
Feb. 13-14
Host: Florida
Defending champion: Florida (16-under 824) by 18 strokes over Mississippi; Florida's Toby Ragland (five-under 205) in playoff over Florida's Billy Horschel and UCF's Simon Ward
Field: UAB, UCF, Chattanooga, Coastal Carolina, Duke, Florida, Florida State, Georgia Southern, Georgia State, Lamar, LSU, Mississippi, Mississippi State, North Florida
Skinny: In addition to Florida winning its home event 23 times in 32 years, 11 Gators have claimed medalist honors in the history of the event.

Battle at the Beach
   (For live scoring, click here to link to Golfstat)
Pelican Hill GC, Newport Coast, Calif.
Feb. 14-16
Host: UCLA and Long Beach State
Defending champion: New Event
Field: Arizona State, Arkansas, Colorado, Colorado State, Long Beach State, Notre Dame, Oregon State, San Diego State, San Francisco, Tennessee, UT Arlington, UC Davis, UCLA, Washington
Skinny: Quality field includes seven teams in the top 25 of the Golf World/Nike Golf coaches' poll.

Rice Intercollegiate
Westwood GC, Houston (Par 72, 7,184 yards)
Feb. 15-16
Host: Rice
Defending champion: Pacific (10-over 874) by four strokes over Rice; San Francisco's Ji Hwan Park (six-under 210) by three strokes over Rice's Christopher Brown
Field: Auburn, Florida Gulf Coast, Hartford, Houston, Houston Baptist, Kansas, Louisiana-Monroe, Louisiana Tech, Miami (Ohio), Missouri State, Nebraska, New Orleans, Northern Colorado, Pacific, Rice
Skinny: Pacific looks to become the first team to repeat as champions in the event's 10-year history. Meanwhile, Rice looks to claim its home for the first time as well.

UTSA/Oak Hills Invitational
   (For live scoring, click here to link to Golfstat)
Oak Hills CC, San Antonio (Par 72, 6,691 yards)
Feb. 15-16
Host: UT San Antonio
Defending champion: Texas Tech (28-under 824) by 20 strokes over UT Arlington; Texa Tech's Chris Ward (11-under 202) by three strokes over Texas Tech's Nils Floren
Field: Air Force, Baylor, Illinois State, Iowa State, Louisiana-Lafayette, North Texas, Oklahoma, San Houston State, Stephen F. Austin, Southeastern Louisiana, Texas Tech, Texas State, Tulsa, UT San Antonio, Wichita State
Skinny: Event celebrates its 15th anniversary.

John Burns Intercollegiate
Leilehua GC, Wahiawa, Hawaii
Feb. 17-19
Host: Hawaii
Defending champion: Texas A&M (28-under 836) by three strokes over New Mexico; New Mexico's James Erkenbeck (11-under 205) by one stroke over Arizona's Tarquin Macmanus
Field: Arizona, BYU, BYU-Hawaii, California, Denver, Fresno State, Hawaii, Hawaii-Hilo, Hawaii Pacific, Nevada, New Mexico, SMU, UC Santa Barbara, UNLV, UTEP, Texas A&M
Skinny: Low numbers are a Burns tradition.


WOMEN
Peg Barnard Collegiate
Stanford GC, Palo Alto, Calif.
Feb. 13-14
Host: Stanford
Defending champion: Was not played in 2008-09
Field: California, Fresno State, Hawaii, Long Beach State, Oregon, San Jose State, Santa Clara, Stanford, UC Davis, Texas, Washington
Skinny: The 36-hole tournament is named after Barnard, a tireless fundraiser for women's athletics at Stanford prior to Title IX.

Hurricane Invitational
Don Shula's Golf Resort, Miami Lakes, Fla. (Par 72, 6,210 yards)
Feb. 14-16
Host: Miami (Fla.)
Defending champion: Georgia State (27-over 891) by nine strokes over Tulane; Louisville's Cindy LaCrosse (two-over 218) by two strokes over Georgia State's Iliska Verwey
Field: UCF, Charleston Southern, Coastal Carolina, East Tennessee State, Eastern Michigan, Georgia State, Illinois State, James Madison, Kentucky, Memphis, Mercer, Miami (Fla.), N.C. State, Oklahoma City, San Diego State, South Florida, Southern Mississippi, Texas State
Skinny: First of two tournaments Miami will host this spring as legendary coach Lela Cannon winds up her career this spring.

THE FAB FIVE
My look at the top five school in the country right now

MEN
1. Oklahoma State (Last fall: 2)
The Cowboys have to be happy to get out of Oklahoma and away from incredible miserable winter weather (ice, wind, etc.) that seems to hit each January. You can do a lot worse than starting the spring in Hawaii.
Spring opener: Mauni Lani Invitational, Mauni Lani CC, Hilo, Hawaii, Feb. 3-5

2. Stanford (1)
Jordan Cox grabs the fifth spot, over a healthy Joseph Bramlett, for trip to Hawaii. Still, Bramlett's return makes an already deep team that much deeper.
Spring opener: Mauni Lani Invitational, Mauni Lani CC, Hilo, Hawaii, Feb. 3-5

3. Washington (4)
A lot was expected last fall and while the Huskies performed well, they didn't seem satisfied. No time like the present to show the rest of the college golf world what you've got.
Spring opener: Mauni Lani Invitational, Mauni Lani CC, Hilo, Hawaii, Feb. 3-5

4. Arizona State (3)
The Sun Devils got of to a quick start in the fall, so should we expect the same in the spring? They've had to stew for a while now on the 12th-place showing at Isleworth to close the fall
Spring opener: Mauni Lani Invitational, Mauni Lani CC, Hilo, Hawaii, Feb. 3-5

5. Florida State (NR)
The Seminoles showed lots of promise last fall when they posted a .804 winning percentage (44-10-2 head-to-head record) with a pair of wins. At the same time, they had only a .647 mark versus top-25 teams (11-6). With the stacked field they'll face in Hawaii, we'll see right quickly what FSU is made of.
Spring opener: Mauni Lani Invitational, Mauni Lani CC, Hilo, Hawaii, Feb. 3-5 



WOMEN
1. Arizona State (1)
A victory last year at Palos Verdes helped kick-start the Sun Devils' spring march to the NCAA Championship title. ASU has the player to repeat on both fronts.
Spring opener: Northrup Grumman Regional Challenge, Palos Verdes GC, Palos Verdes, Calif., Feb. 9-11

2. UCLA (2)
Four runner-up finishes for the Bruins in the fall leaves them upbeat, but wanting more. Meanwhile, I have a hunch Sydnee Michaels is going to play well this spring as she closes out her senior season.
Spring opener: Northrup Grumman Regional Challenge, Palos Verdes GC, Palos Verdes, Calif., Feb. 9-11

3. USC (5)
Can Jennifer Song go undefeated in the 2009-10 season? It's asking a bit much, but it could be a lot of fun to watch if she comes out and wins at Palos Verdes. And that, at least, is not a long shot.
Spring opener: Northrup Grumman Regional Challenge, Palos Verdes GC, Palos Verdes, Calif., Feb. 9-11

4. Auburn (3)
You can make the argument that Cydney Clanton and Candace Schepperle are the best one-two combo in women's golf without embarrassing yourself. If they get some help at the end of the lineup, watch out.
Spring opener: Arizona Wildcat Invitational, Arizona National GC, Tucson, Ariz., Feb. 22-23

5. Purdue (4)
The United Nations has nothing on the Boilermaker roster, with six different countries (Belgium, Canada, Germany, India, South Africa and Thailand) represented in West Lafayette.
Spring opener: Lady Puerto Rico Classic, Coco Beach Resort, Rio Grande, Puerto Rico, Feb. 7-9



STAT OF THE WEEK
110
Number of days between the last round the California men's team played last fall (Oct. 13, The MacKenzie) and the first round the Golden Bears played this spring (Feb. 1, Arizona Invitational). The winter break was actually four days longer than the time off that coach Steve Desimone's team had last summer between the end of the 2008-09 season and the start of the 2009-10 campaign. Of course it didn't hurt the team, as Cal won dramatically by one stroke over Arizona Tuesday after entering the day with a seven-stroke lead and falling 11 strokes back in the middle of the final round.


WHAT TO WATCH FOR
* Interim coach Robbie Bosco makes his debut when the BYU women start their spring schedule next week at The Gold Rush event. Bosco takes over for Sue Nyhus, who stepped down after the end of the fall semester, and if the name is familiar, chances are you're also a college golf fan. Bosco was the starting quarterback at BYU when the team won the national championship in 1984. He started 33 games for the Cougars and threw for 66 touchdowns, 10 more than another notable BYU QB, Steve Young.

* It won't necessarily have an impact on Johnson & Wales NAIA squads is unknown, but the Florida school recently announced a strategic alliance with the Jim McLean Golf School in Miami. The arrangement allows golf management students to study under McLean's teaching pros. Staring last fall, Johnson & Wales students could earn a bachlor's degree in golf management through the university's hospitality college.



TOURNAMENT PREVIEW
MEN
Mauni Lani Invitational
   (For live scoring, click here to link to Golfstat)
Mauna Lani North Course, Kohala Coast, Hawaii
Feb. 3-5
Host: Hawaii-Hilo
Defending champion: USC (13-under 851) by 11 strokes over Washington; Washington's Nick Taylor (six-under 210) by one stroke over USC's Jamie Lovemark
Field: Arizona State, CSU-East Bay, Colorado, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Oregon, Oregon State, Rhode Island, San Jose State, San Francisco, Sonoma State, TCU, Texas, Texas Tech, UC Davis, UCLA, USC, Washington
Skinny: Not a bad way to start the spring season, what with six of the top seven in the final Golf World/Nike Golf coaches' poll competing head-to-head in Hawaii, and 12 of the top 20. Forecast is supposed to be for mild conditions, which could mean a lot of red numbers.

JU Invitational
   (For live scoring, click here to link to Golfstat)
TPC Sawgrass (Players Stadium Course), Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.
Feb. 7-9
Host: Jacksonville
Defending champion: Lamar (25-over 889) by one stroke over Kentucky; Stetson's Thomas Parker (four-under 212) by five strokes over Kentucky's Andy Winings
Field: Charleston Southern, Clemson, East Carolina, East Tennessee State, Georgia State, Idaho, Jacksonville, Jacksonville State, Kentucky, Liberty, Murray State, Old Dominion, USC Upstate, Wake Forest, Winthrop
Skinny: Three words--Players Stadium Course. It will be interesting to see how the collegians handle Pete Dye's sinister layout after playing the Valley Course a year ago.

The Farms Collegiate Invitational
The Farms GC, Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.
Feb. 8-9
Host: San Diego
Defending champion: New Event
Field: CSU Bakersfield, CSU Northridge, Denver, Loyola Marymount, San Diego, San Diego State, Santa Clara, SMU, St. Mary's (Calif.), UC Irvine, UC Santa Barbara, UTEP
Skinny: The course played host to the Callaway Match Play event run by the GCAA a year ago.


WOMEN
Lady Puerto Rico Classic
Coco Beach GC, Rio Grande, Puerto Rico
Feb. 7-9
Host: Purdue
Defending champion: Purdue (24-over 888) by 21 strokes over Tennessee; Indiana's Laura Nochta and Purdue's Maria Hernandez (three-over 219)
Field: Alabama, Baylor, Florida State, Georgia, Kent State, Indiana, Iowa State, Michigan, Northwestern, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Penn State, Purdue, SMU, Wisconsin, Texas Tech
Skinny: Given the odd weather in the southeast the past month, the potential advantage for the "warm" climate schools over their Northern counterparts would seem to be negligible.

The Gold Rush
   (For live scoring, click here to link to Golfstat)
Old Ranch CC, Seal Beach, Calif. (par 71, 6,157 yards)
Feb. 8-9
Host: Long Beach State
Defending champion: New event
Field: BYU, Cal Poly, California Baptist, CSU Fullerton, CSU Northridge, Long Beach State, New Mexico State, Portland State, San Diego State, San Francisco, UC Davis, UC Riverside
Skinny: Inaugural event has 11 teams from five different conferences competing.

Northrup Grumman Regional Challenge
   (For live scoring, click here to link to Golfstat)
Palos Verdes GC, Palos Verdes, Calif.
Feb. 8-10
Host: Ohio State
Defending champion: Arizona State (46-over 898) by 18 strokes over USC; Arizona State's Juliana Murcia (one-over 214) by eight strokes over ASU's Carlota Ciganda and USC's Jennifer Song
Field: Arizona State, California, Colorado, Denver, Duke, Florida, Louisville, Michigan State, Ohio State, Pepperdine, TCU, UC Irvine, UCLA, USC, Wake Forest
Skinny: The course traditionally is one of the toughest the women's teams will face all season. If ASU can repeat, the Sun Devils will be just the second school to win in back to back years (joining Arizona in 2000 & 2001) and also the second school to win the NGR title three times in the event's 14-year history (joining Pepperdine).

FAB FIVE
My look at the top five teams in the country right now

MEN
1. Georgia (Last week's syllabus: 1)
The Bulldogs were already riding a three-tournament win streak heading into Las Vegas, but gained even more momentum with a 5-0 sweep of Texas Tech in a one-day match-play event back in Athens earlier this week.
Next event: Southern Highlands Collegiate Championship, Southern Highlands GC, Las Vegas, March 13-15

2. Stanford (2)
While no Cardinal player has a stroke average lower than 72.5, five golfers (Steve Ziegler, Sihwan Kim, David Chung, Joseph Bramlett and Jordan Cox) have carded top-10 finishes.
Next event: Callaway Match Play Championship, The Farms GC, Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., March 22-24

3. Oklahoma State (3)
The Cowboys continue to rotate players in the No. 5 spot in the line-up. This week in Las Vegas, redshirt freshman Bernhard Neumann gets the nod. Meanwhile, two-time AJGA player of the year Peter Uihlein has still played just one tournament for OSU so far in his freshman season.
Next event: Southern Highlands Collegiate Championship, Southern Highlands GC, Las Vegas, March 13-15

4. USC (4)
If all goes well, Las Vegas should be the last event that Jamie Lovemark will miss with his broken finger. Freshman Steve Lim, who's playing well back at home, takes his spot at Southern Highlands.
Next event: Southern Highlands Collegiate Championship, Southern Highlands GC, Las Vegas, March 13-15

5. Clemson (NR)
The Tigers had competed in UNLV's tournament for 19 straight years before missing the 2008 event. Their best finish? Third place in 1997, 2001, 2003 and 2004. Same line-up that finished second at Puerto RIco travels to Nevada.
Next event: Southern Highlands Collegiate Championship, Southern Highlands GC, Las Vegas, March 13-15

WOMEN
1. UCLA (1)
Every week it's a new Bruin that shines. At the UCF Challenge, it was freshman Stephanie Kono, who shot a final-round 66 to lift UCLA past ASU as well as claim medalist honors.
Next event: Ping/ASU Invitational, Karsten Course at ASU, Tempe, Ariz., April 3-5

2. Arizona State (2)
A T-10 finish from Azahara Munoz in her return to action at the UCF Challenge bodes well for the Sun Devils in the long run. Best thing for ASU fans? Munoz thinks she should have done better.
Next event: Betsy Rawls Longhorn Invitational, University of Texas GC, Austin, Texas, March 19-21

3. USC (3)
After shooting a course-record 65 at Red Tail GC, junior Belen Mozo only could muster a 74 in the final round of the UCF Challenge. Still, after struggled with her putting throughout the spring, the Spaniard's confidence is rising.
Next event: Ping/ASU Invitational, Karsten Course at ASU, Tempe, Ariz., April 3-5

4. Oklahoma State (NR)
In just their second start under new coach Annie Young, the Cowgirls hung tough while in the final group with UCLA and Arizona State at the UCF Challenge, eventually finishing in third place. That's five top-fives in six starts for OSU. 
Next event: Liz Murphey Collegiate, University of Georgia GC, Athens, Ga., March 27-29

5. Wake Forest (4)
A month after opening their spring season with a runner-up finish at the Northrup Grumman, the Demon Deacons anxiously return to action this weekend in Louisiana. Coach Dianne Dailey says the strong showing in California only made the players work harder in practice.
Next event: LSU Golf Classic, University Club, Baton Rouge, La., March 13-15

STAT OF THE WEEK
7
The number of hours it reportedly took for some players to finish their rounds at the Ron Smith/USF Invitational last weekend at Lake Jovita. I kind of chuckle sometimes at how often my counterparts at Golfweek bang the drum about the problems of slow play in college golf, but the news out of Dade City, Fla., was so ridiculous that it's time they get somebody else to join their cause. Enough is enough fellas (and ladies too) ... it's time to pick up the pace.      


WHAT TO WATCH FOR
* Conspicuous by her absence at the UCF Challenge was UCLA senior Tiffany Joh, who despite being ranked 24th in the country by Golfstat failed to qualify for the Bruins' starting five that traveled to Red Tail GC outside Orlando and beat Arizona State by seven strokes for their fifth win of the season. "She's been fighting [her swing] a little bit," said Bruin coach Carrie Forsyth. Needless to say, those aren't the words you want to hear about your go-to senior captain.

Joh will miss UCLA's next tournament, the Ping/ASU Invitational, since she'll be playing at the Kraft Nabisco Championship that weekend. I'd be shocked, however, if you don't see her wearing Bruin Blue at the Pac-10 Championship in April and the rest of the postseason. Joh's got too much experience--and too much talent--not to be in the starting line-up during crunch time. I'd be similarly shocked if she didn't find her way up near the top of the leader board in each of the events that will close out her impressive career.

TOURNAMENTS ON TAP
MEN
Southern Highlands Collegiate
   (For live scoring, link here to Golfstat)
Southern Highlands GC, Las Vegas (Par 72, 7,510 yards)
March 13-15
Host: UNLV
Field: Arizona, Arizona State, Auburn, California, Charlotte, Clemson, Florida, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Oklahoma State, Texas, Texas A&M, UCLA, UNLV, USC
Defending champion: UNLV (five-over 869) by two strokes over Charlotte; USC's Rory Hie (three-under 213) in a playoff with Georgia's Hudson Swafford and Charlotte's Jonas Enander Hedin
Skinny: The tournament continues its tradition of having a standout field, including six of the top-10 teams in the latest Golf World/Nike Golf coaches' poll and 11 of the top 25.

Border Olympics
Laredo CC, Laredo, Texas (Par 72, 7,241 yards)
March 14-15
Host: Houston
Field: Arkansas, UALR, Baylor, Houston, Houston Baptist, Lamar, Louisville, New Mexico State, New Orleans, North Texas, Notre Dame, Rice, UT-Arlington, Texas State, Vanderbilt, Washington State
Defending champion: Arkansas (three-over 867) by five strokes over Lamar; Baylor's Colton Williams (nine-under 207) by seven strokes over Arkansas' Andrew Landry and UTEP's Roger Sloan
Skinny: If you like the hot hand, consider taking the Vanderbilt Commodores, who eeked out a one-stroke win at the Seminole Intercollegiate when Golf World Player of the Week Ryan Haselden made an eagle on the final hole.

Pinehurst Intercollegiate
   (For live scoring, link here to Golfstat)
Pinehurst Resort (No. 8), Pinehurst, N.C.
March 15-17
Host: East Carolina
Field: Ball State, Belmont, Eastern Kentucky, Marquette, Marhshall, Miami (OH), Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, UNC Greensboro, UNC Wilmington, Old Dominion, Penn State, Radford, Southern Mississippi, Toledo, VCU, Virginia Tech, Western Illinois, Wichita State
Defending champion: Indiana (one-over 865) by 24 strokes over Eastern Kentucky; Indiana's Seth Brandon (even-par 216) by one stroke over three others
Skinny: The folks in the Carolina sand hills can only hope that bad weather won't canceled this men's tournament like it did the women's Pinehurst event two weeks ago.

Barona Collegiate Cup
Barona Creek GC, Lakeside, Calif.
March 16-17
Host: San Diego State
Defending champion: Texas A&M (37-under 837) by 20 strokes over San Diego State; Texas A&M's Ignacio Elvira (12-under 204) by three strokes over Texas A&M's Andrea Pavan and San Diego State's David Palm

WOMEN
LSU Golf Classic
   (For live scoring, link here to Golfstat)
University Club, Baton Rouge, La.
March 13-15
Host: LSU
Field: Arkansas, College of Charleston, Colorado, Furman, Kentucky, Louisville, LSU, Mississippi, Mississippi State, North Carolina, N.C. State, UNC Wilmington, Notre Dame, South Carolina, TCU, Tulane, Virginia, Wake Forest
Defending champion: Florida State (20-over 884) by six strokes over LSU; Florida State's Caroline Westrup (eight-under 208) by four strokes over N.C. State's Lauren Doughtie
Skinny: The tournament is being held for the 28th year. Team scores between eight and 15 over have won the event three of the past four years. The last five individual winners, meanwhile, have shot under par for 54 holes.

Baylor Spring Invitational
   (For live scoring, link here to Golfstat)
Twin Rivers GC, Waco, Texas (Par 72, 6,347 yards)
March 16-17
Host: Baylor
Field: Baylor, Colorado State, Illinois State, Iowa, Iowa State, McLennan CC, Missouri State, New Mexico State, North Texas SMU, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, UT-Pan American, UT-San Antonio, Wichita State
Defending champion: New event
Skinny: The Bears are hosting their first regular-season tournament in Waco since 2000

Dr. Donnis Thompson Invitational
Kaneohe Klipper GC, Honolulu (Par 72, 5,907 yards)
March 16-18
Host: Hawaii
Field: Boise State, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas State, Lipsomb, Nevada, Northern Colorado, Texas A&M, UTEP
Defending champion: Oklahoma State (16-over 880) by 13 strokes over Arizona; Arizona's Alison Walshe (three-under 213) by five strokes over Oklahoma State's Pernilla Lindberg
Skinny: Field also includes two Japanese schools (Nagoya and Osaka Gakuin)

FAB FIVE
My look at the top five teams in the country right now

MEN
1. Georgia (Last week's syllabus: 1)
Winning by 12 strokes in Puerto Rico was an impressive start to the spring. With a 38-under 826, the Bulldogs posted their third lowest 54-hole score in school history.
Next event: Southern Highlands Collegiate Championship, Southern Highlands GC, Las Vegas, March 13-15

2. Stanford (3)
The Cardinal are starting to come on (win at USC Intercollegiate) even without Joseph Bramlett in the line-up. Sihwan Kim and David Chung are strong match-play golfers, letting you believe Stanford will have success at the Callaway event later this month ... if not in the postseason.
Next event: Callaway Match Play Championship, The Farms GC, Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., March 22-24

3. Oklahoma State (2)
The Cowboys' 16-under 848 might have only been good for third place in Puerto Rico, but it was their lowest score of the year. All five starters finished inside the top-25 although none inside the top 11.
Next event: Southern Highlands Collegiate Championship, Southern Highlands GC, Las Vegas, March 13-15

4. Southern California (4)
Sophomore Matt Giles jumps into the top spot in the Golfstat Cup ranking after his third fourth-place finish in four starts this season. The Aussie is going to be counted on even more until Jamie Lovemark's broken finger has healed.
Next event: Southern Highlands Collegiate Championship, Southern Highlands GC, Las Vegas, March 13-15

5. Clemson (NR)
Larry Penley's team remains an enigma, albeit a talented one. En route to a second-place finish at the Puerto Rico Classic, all five Tigers shot even par or better during the final two rounds. It's the first time a Clemson team has done that since April 2003.
Next event: Southern Highlands Collegiate Championship, Southern Highlands GC, Las Vegas, March 13-15

WOMEN
1. UCLA (1)
Rough life for Bruins coach Carrie Forsyth, trying to figure out who she has to leave behind thanks to a lineup that includes seven players with stroke averages of 73.67 or better.
Next event: UCF Challenge, Red Tail GC, Sorrento, Fla., March 8-10

2. Arizona State (2)
The flu left Jaclyn Sweeney and Giulia Molinaro at far less than 100 percent at the Arizona Wildcat. Expect a better showing from them and the return to action for Azahara Munoz in Florida next week.
Next event: UCF Challenge, Red Tail GC, Sorrento, Fla., March 8-10

3. Southern California (3)
While Lizette Salas is stepping up big time for the Trojans, freshman Jennifer Song hasn't been too shabby either: 71.88 average, four top-10s and no finish worse than a T-14.
Next event: UCF Challenge, Red Tail GC, Sorrento, Fla., March 8-10

4. Wake Forest (4)
Senior Nannette Hill wins ACC golfer of the month award for the first time in her career.
Next event: LSU/Cleveland Golf Classic, University Club, Baton Rouge, La., March 13-15

5. Auburn (5)
Junior Candace Schepperle (71.53) is on pace to set the Tigers' single-season stroke average set by Maru Martinez (71.89) in 2005-06. She needs nine more rounds of par or better to catch Martinez' 21 from that season.
Next event: UCF Challenge, Red Tail CC, Sorrento, Fla., March 8-10

STAT OF THE WEEK
71.189
The adjusted stroke average for Arizona State freshman Carlota Ciganda. The Spaniard's T-2 finish at the Northrup Grumman Regional Challenge and T-3 performance at the Arizona Wildcat Invitational have her already sitting in second place in the Golfstat Cup rankings. In actuality, however, she's really in first place since the player who is technically No. 1 is ASU's Anna Nordqvist, who left school in December and turned pro.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR
* After starting the season ranked No. 11 in the Golf World/Nike Golf coaches' poll, only to fall out of the top 25 entirely this spring, Florida State has a lot riding on its home tournament this weekend, the Seminole Intercollegiate. The defending ACC champions have a 39-30-1 overall head-to-head record, bringing the ".500 rule" more closely into view than coach Trey Jones probably feels comfortable with. Having finished fourth at the SunTrust Gator Invitational last month, equaling its best finish of the season, FSU has at least a little momentum to build on. Still, senior Matt Savage needs to finds some more consistency in his game quickly to help ease some of the load that sophomore Drew Kittleson, the U.S. Amateur runner-up, has been carrying. Bottom line: to say this weekend's tournament is a "must-win" sitauation is a stretch, but not a huge one.

* Say what you will about Oregon and coach Casey Martin's decision earlier this year to drop the USC Intercollegiate from the Ducks' schedule and replace it with the Braveheart Classic. With a seven-shot win over Southern Utah at Oak Valley GC in California last Tuesday, Oregon bumped its overall record from 30-29 to 46-29 and got its first victory of the season, knocking off (most notably) Arizona and Tennessee. Yes, the field at the Braveheart was hardly that of USC's event, and some contend that the move was made too much out of fear. Nonetheless, Martin's strategic play might just have helped him secure a bid to regionals and a chance for Oregon to advance to nationals for a second straight season.

* A year ago, Coastal Carolina's Zack Byrd couldn't catch any breaks, forced to take a medical redshirt after injurying his knee in December 2007. The Calabash, N.C., native has made the best of a bad situation, however, returning to the line-up in 2008-09 and, through 18 rounds, leading not just the Chanticleers but the entire Big South Conference in scoring with a 72.2 average. His T-2 finish at the John Hayt Intercollegiate last month gave him three top-three finishes. Medalist at the conference championship in his freshman season, Byrd is a heavy favorite for the General Hackler Championship that Coastal Carolina hosts this week.


TOURNAMENTS ON TAP
MEN
Seminole Intercollegiate
   (For live scoring, link here to Golfstat)
Golden Eagle CC, Tallahassee, Fla. (Par 72, 6,965 yards)
March 6-8
Host: Florida State
Field: UAB, Arkansas, Auburn, Boston College, College of Charleston, Florida State, Maryland, Mississippi, Mississippi State, Vanderbilt, Virginia, Western Carolina
Defending champion: Florida State (six-under 858) by four strokes over Auburn; Vanderbilt's Jon Curran (10-under 206) by three strokes over Auburn's Jay Moseley
Skinny: An example of how the ".500 rule" is actually doing what it was intended to do: B.C. is going to get to play in a tournament with another ACC school for the first time all season.

Ron Smith/USF Invitational
   (For live scoring, link here to Golfstat)
Lake Jovita G&CC, Dade City, Fla.
March 6-8
Host: South Florida
Field: Arkansas State, Austin Peay, Baylor, Cincinnati, Columbus State, Connecticut, DePaul, Eastern Michigan, Florida Southern, Jacksonville State, Louisiana-Monroe, Louisville, Marquette, Middle Tennessee State, Missouri, Missouri State, Nebraska, Rhode Island, Seton Hall, South Alabama, South Florida, Texas Tech, Troy, Xavier
Defending champion: Middle Tennessee State (six-under 858) by 14 strokes over Florida Southern and Marquette; Marquette's Mike Van Sickle (eight-under 208) by four strokes over three others
Skinny: In its 17th year, the field expands from 18 to 23 teams with seven Big East schools competing at the same course that will host the conference championship next month. Meanwhile, Marquette's Van Sickle is trying to win the individual title for a third straight year.

General Hackler Championship
   (For live scoring, link here to Golfstat)
TPC Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet, S.C.
March 8-9
Host: Coastal Carolina
Field: Augusta State, Coastal Carolina, Duke, East Tennessee State, Illinois, Kentucky, Lamar, North Carolina, N.C. State, Ohio State, Pepperdine, South Carolina, UCLA, Wake Forest
Defending champion: Wake Forest (33-over 897) by three strokes over Florida State; Louisville's Derek Fathauer (one-over 217) by two strokes over Augusta State's Henrik Norlander
Skinny: The tournaments last five champions (Pepperdine, Coastal Carolina, East Tennessee State, Lamar and Wake Forest) are in this year's field.

Louisiana Classics
Oakbourne CC, Lafayette, La.
March 8-10
Host: Louisiana-Lafayette
Defending champion: Colorado (two-under 862) by 13 strokes over SMU; SMU's Kelly Kraft (five-under 211) by three strokes over Richmond's Jordan Utley

Fresno State Lexus Golf Classic
   (For live scoring, link here to Golfstat)
Belmont CC, Fresno, Calif.
March 9-10
Host: Fresno State
Field: Arizona State, BYU, Boise State, CSU Bakersfield, CSU Northridge, Fresno City College, Fresno State, Hawaii, Nevada, Oklahoma, Pacific, Sacramento State, San Diego, San Diego State, San Jose State, UC Santa Barbara, UC Davis, UC Irvine, UTEP, Washington
Defending champion: San Diego State (23-under 841) by three strokes over California and Texas; Texas' Charlie Holland (nine-under 207) on third playoff hole against San Diego State's Matt Hoffenberg
Skinny: Past champions of the 46-year-old event include Tom Watson (Stanford, 1969), Craig Stadler (USC, 1973, 1974), Bobby Clampett (BYU, 1979, 1980) and Phil MIckelson (Arizona State, 1989).

Cleveland Golf Palmetto Invitational
Palmetto GC, Aiken, S.C. (Par 70, 6,617 yards)
March 9-10
Host: USC Aiken
Field: Akron, Charleston Southern, College of Charleston, East Carolina, Elon, Francis Marion, Furman, Georgia College, Houston, Liberty, Presbyterian, UNC Wilmington, USC Aiken, Winthrop, Wofford
Defending champion: Chattanooga (10-over 850) by 30 strokes over Virginia Tech; Chattanooga's Jonathan Hodge (two-over 212) by one stroke over three others
Skinny: Hosted by the top-ranked D-II team in the Golf World/Nike Golf coaches' poll, the 12-year-old event is a true crossover as the field consists of a majority of Division I programs.

WOMEN
Duramed Collegiate at Rio Verde
   (For live scoring, link here to Golfstat)
Quail Run course at Rio Verde CC, Rio Verde, Ariz. (Par 71, 6,260 yards)
March 6-8
Host: Western Michigan
Field: Akron, Arkansas-Little Rock, Ball State, Bowling Green State, Bradley, Cincinnati, Eastern Michigan, Illinois State, Kansas, Kansas State, Minnesota, Missouri State, Northern Arizona, Northwestern, Ohio, Southern Illinois, Toledo, Western Michigan, Wisconsin, Xavier
Defending champion: Notre Dame (11-over 875) by 20 strokes over Minnesota; Notre Dame's So-Hyun Park (four-under 212) by four strokes over Notre Dame's Annie Brophy
Skinny: The seventh playing of the event is the first with a title sponsor. There has never been a repeat champion in tournament history, a fact that will continue in 2010 as Notre Dame is not in the field this week.

UCF Challenge
   (For live scoring, link here to Golfstat)
Red Tail GC, Sorrento, Fla. (Par 72, 6,301 yards)
March 8-10
Host: UCF
Field: Alabama, Arizona, Arizona State, Auburn, Duke, Florida, Florida State, LSU, North Carolina, Oklahoma State, Pepperdine, Purdue, Tennessee, Texas, UCF, UCLA, USC, Vanderbilt
Defending champion: Duke (13-under 851) by nine strokes over Purdue; Duke's Alison Whitaker (eight-under 208) by two strokes over Purdue's Junthima Gulyamamitta
Skinny: This powerhouse field includes 12 of the top-15 teams in the latest Golf World/NGCA coaches' poll. Duke has won the event in each of its two previous years of existence.

UNLV Spring Rebel Invitational
   (For live scoring, link here to Golfstat)
Boulder Creek GC, Boulder Creek, Nev. (Par 72, 6,234 yards)
March 9-11
Host: UNLV
Field: BYU, Campbell, Eastern Washington, Fresno State, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kent State, Missouri, Nebraska, Oregon, Oregon State, SMU, Texas Tech, Tulsa, UNLV, Washington, Washington State
Defending champion: BYU and Washington State tied (five-under 859); Oregon's Cathryn Bristow (eight-under 208) by two strokes over Texas Tech's Ulrika van Niekerk
Skinny: The participating teams can only hope the scoring gets as crazy low as it did at UNLV's fall tournament.

FAB FIVE
My look at the top five teams in the country right now

MEN
1. Georgia (Last week's syllabus: 1)
After 122 days for their winter break, the Bulldogs finally resume their season. Senior Adam Mitchell is left back in Athens as UGa's starting five includes Brian Harman, Hudson Swafford, Harris English, Russell Henley and Michael Green.
Spring opener: Puerto Rico Classic, Rio Mar GC (River Course), Rio Grande, Puerto Rico, Feb. 27-March 1

2. Oklahoma State (3)
The Cowboys are coming off the same 122-day layoff. OSU has won once before in Puerto Rico, taking the team title in 2003.
Spring opener: Puerto Rico Classic, Rio Mar GC (River Course), Rio Grande, Puerto Rico, Feb. 27-March 1

3. Stanford (NR)
With Joseph Bramlett still sidelined, the Cardinal impress with 10-stroke victory at USC Collegiate. Medalist Steve Ziegler closes with 68-65, his two lowest rounds of the 2008-09 season. Meanwhile, David Chung's T-5 finish makes him fifth Stanford golfer this season to card a top-10.
Next event: Callaway Match Play Championship, The Farms GC, Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., March 22-24

4. Southern California (2)
Long-term diagnosis for Jamie Lovemark and his broken finger seems good. Short term, however, the Trojans are going to miss him, as evidence by fourth-place showing at their home event this week.
Next event: Southern Highlands Collegiate Championship, Southern Highlands GC, Las Vegas, March 13-15

5. Florida (NR)
Two straight wins to start the spring--Golden Ocala and SunTrust Gator Invite--but U of F still needs to step up against tougher competition. Puerto Rico could be where we find out just how good Buddy Alexander's squad really is.
Next event: Puerto Rico Classic, Rio Mar GC (River Course), Rio Grande, Puerto Rico, Feb. 27-March 1

WOMEN
1. UCLA (1)
The Bruins shake off the third-place showing at Northrup Grumman with a nine-shot victory at the Arizona Wildcat Invitational. Seriously, did you think UCLA was just going to roll over and let ASU take the No. 1 ranking?
Next event: UCF Challenge, Red Tail GC, Sorrento, Fla., March 8-10

2. Arizona State (2)
Bad news: The Sun Devils lose to UCLA at the Arizona Wildcat. Good news: senior Jennifer Osborn posted her best finish of the season (T-7).
Next event: UCF Challenge, Red Tail GC, Sorrento, Fla., March 8-10

3. USC (3)
The defending NCAA champs aren't going anywhere, finishing tied for second at the Arizona Wildcat. With co-medalist honors giving her a share of a second victory, sophomore Lizette Salas is making a bid for national player of the year.
Next event: UCF Challenge, Red Tail GC, Sorrento, Fla., March 8-10

4. Wake Forest (4)
Statistics don't measure a team's confidence, so it's hard to give you data behind why I think this group should be ranked ahead of ACC rival Virginia or Big Ten favorite Purdue. There's just something about the Demon Deacons that intrigues me so I'm going to stay on the bandwagon. 
Next event: LSU/Cleveland Golf Classic, University Club, Baton Rouge, La., March 13-15

5. Auburn (5)
The Tigers' average drop score is highest among any of the top 10 teams in the Golf World/NGCA coaches' poll (80.82) but they have the 10th toughest schedule.
Next event: UCF Challenge, Red Tail CC, Sorrento, Fla., March 8-10

STAT OF THE WEEK
30
Number of career victories for UCLA women's coach Carrie Forsyth in her 9 1/2 years since taking over the program in Westwood. Her 30th title came last Tuesday when the Bruins won the Arizona Wildcat.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR
* I think I was one of many people who gave the UCLA men the benefit of the doubt after a sloppy fall season. Yet the defending NCAA champions didn't seem to have all that much fire as they posted a fifth-place finish during their spring season at the USC Collegiate Invitational earlier this week. Outside of freshman Gregor Main, who finished third individually to make it four top-20 performances in four starts, no Bruin has played with any real consistency during the 2008-09 campaign. UCLA heads cross country for the General Jim Hackler event in Myrtle Beach next week, then flies all the way to Las Vegas to play less than a week later at the Southern Highlands Collegiate. Derek Freeman's group better find some magic in those two events--the Bruins are just 5-9 head-to-head against Pac-10 opponents since September--or it's going to be tough to build any real momentum before the post-season arrives.

TOURNAMENTS ON TAP
MEN
Puerto Rico Classic
Rio Mar River Course, Rio Grande, Puerto Rico (Par 72, 6,902 yards)
Feb. 27-March 1
Host: Purdue
Field: Alabama, Clemson, East Tennessee State, Florida, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Kent State, Michigan, Minnesota, N.C. State, Northwestern, Oklahoma State, Purdue, Texas, Virginia Tech
Defending champion: Alabama (10-under 854) by three strokes over Oklahoma State; Alabama's Matthew Swan (12-under 204) by five strokes over Oklahoma State's Rickie Fowler
Skinny: Six of the top 15 teams in the latest Golf World/Nike Golf coaches' poll are in the field, with No. 1 Georgia and No. 2 Oklahoma State making their spring season debuts.

Braveheart Classic
Oak Valley GC, Beaumont, Calif.
March 2-3
Host: UC Riverside
Field: Arizona, Cal Poly, CSU Northridge, Gonzaga, Kansas State, LaVerne, Long Beach State, Loyola (Ill.), Loyola Marymount, Missouri-Kansas City, Oral Roberts, Oregon, Sacramento State, Southern Utah, Tennessee, UC Riverside, UC Santa Barbara, Utah State
Defending champion: Cal Poly (36-over 900) by eight strokes over UC Riverside; UC Riverside's Nick Paez and Spencer Paschall (four-over 200)
Skinny: Tournament sports the strongest field in its history.

Lonnie D. Small Spring Classic
Keith Hills, Buies Creek, N.C.
March 2-3
Host: Campbell
Field: Belmont, Campbell, Charlotte, College of Charleston, Davidson, Elon, Florida Gulf Coast, Gardner-Webb, Georgetown, High Point, Longwood, Presbyterian, Queens U., Stetson
Defending champion: Campbell (seven-over 583) by one stroke over Elon; USC Upstate's Josh Gallman (three-under 141) by one stroke over Elon's Jimmy Lytle, Seton Hall's Kyle Morris and Campbell's Matt Moot
Skinny: Host Camels are looking for their eighth victory in their home event since 1985. Course will also host the Atlantic Sun Championship in April

WOMEN
Juli Inkster Spartan Invitational
Almaden CC, San Jose, Calif.
March 2-3
Host: San Jose State
Field: Boise State, California, UC Davis, UC Irvine, Colorado, Colorado State, Fresno State, Georgia State, Hawaii, Miami, Oregon, San Diego State, San Francisco, San Jose State, Stanford, Washington
Defending champion: California (35-over 899) by five strokes over San Jose State; UC Irvine's Selanee Henderson (two-over 218) by two strokes over California's Allison Goodman and Pia Halbig
Skinny: The tournament has been renamed in honor of Inkster, who won 17 college events in her career at SJSU, including this tournament in 1981.

USA Lady Jaguar Classic
Azalea City GC, Mobile, Ala.
March 2-3
Host: South Alabama
Field: UAB, Arkansas State, Belmont, Florida International, Jackson State, Jacksonville State, Lamar, Louisiana-Monroe, McNeese State, Middle Tennessee State, Nicholls, Sam Houston State, Samford, South Alabama, Southern Mississippi, Troy
Defending champion: East Tennessee State (24-over 600) by 17 strokes over Southern Mississippi; East Tennessee State's Sinead O'Sullivan (one-under 143) by three strokes over Southern Mississippi's Virginia Espejo
Skinny: Three years in the books and the tournament has only been won by teams from the state of Tennessee (Middle Tennessee in 2006, '07; ETSU in 2008).

Pinehurst Challenge
Pinehurst No. 6, Pinehurst, N.C.
March 2-3
Host: College of Charleston
Defending champion: East Carolina (46-over 910) by 10 strokes over East Tennessee State; College of Charleston's Steffi Kirchmayr (one-over 217) by five strokes over East Carolina's Emelie Lind
Skinny: As if hosting the 43-team Edwin Watts/Kiawah Classic wasn't enough work last week, C of C helps run this event in North Carolina.

Wave Invitational
   (For live scoring, link here to Golfstat)
Moorpark CC, Moorpark, Calif
March 3-4
Host: Pepperdine
Field: BYU, CSU Northridge, Long Beach State, New Mexico State, Pepperdine, UNLV
Defending champion: New event
Skinny: The Wave women host their first tournament since spring 1999. The event will only be a 36-hole affair. The presidential history buff in me in jealous that players will get a tour of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library after the practice round.