FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 14, 2025 (Paradise Island, Bahamas) – Seven collegiate teams will compete in late October at the White Sands Bahamas Women’s NCAA Invitational hosted by Northern Illinois University. For the sixth year, the annual golf tournament will be played at the Ocean Club Golf Course, Atlantis Paradise Island.
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to host and compete in this prestigious event at an incredible island location,” said Kim Kester, head women’s golf coach at Northern Illinois.
“Being able to compete alongside other marquee programs in a paradise setting will be a terrific experience for our team and everyone involved.”
Playing alongside NIU’s women’s team will be High Point, Miami, Middle Tennessee State, Ohio, Prairie View A&M and South Florida. The teams will compete over three days and 54 holes from Oct. 24-26. Other activities for the week include a VIP welcome reception, junior clinic, and a College-Am competition.
The Hon. I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, said: “The Bahamas is thrilled to again host the White Sands Bahamas NCAA Invitational. This is our sixth staging of the event in The Bahamas, which demonstrates our commitment to hosting high-caliber sports. Our destination is renowned as a golfer’s haven and this event will allow elite collegiate athletes to compete on one of our championship golf courses, set against the backdrop of our breathtaking sea views.”
Latia Duncombe, Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, added: “This competition is yet another opportunity to showcase The Islands of The Bahamas as a top sports tourism destination where world-class competition meets world-class hospitality. Athletes, coaches and the dedicated fan base can look forward to experiencing the best of our country, highlighted by our warm hospitality both on and off the course.”
“On behalf of the Ocean Club Golf Course and Atlantis Paradise Island, we extend a warm welcome to all the athletes competing in the 2025 White Sands Bahamas NCAA Invitational, along with their coaches, alumni and fans,” said Audrey Oswell, President and Managing Director at Atlantis Paradise Island. “The Invitational is an excellent opportunity to present our course as a true challenge for top women’s amateur golfers. We are looking forward to the competition and the chance to showcase our beautiful destination.”
The women will play at 6,385 yards over the par 72 Ocean Club Golf Course, designed by past major champion Tom Weiskopf. Texas, Campbell, Lipscomb, Kansas State and Kansas are past winners of the women’s competitions. In 2024, Kansas rallied to nip Purdue by two strokes.
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ABOUT THE BAHAMAS
With over 700 islands and cays and 16 unique island destinations, The Bahamas lies just 50 miles off the coast of Florida, offering an easy fly-away escape that transports travelers away from their everyday. The Islands of The Bahamas have world-class fishing, diving, boating and thousands of miles of the earth’s most spectacular water and beaches waiting for families, couples and adventurers. Explore all the islands have to offer at www.bahamas.com or on Facebook, YouTube, or Instagram to see why “It’s Better in The Bahamas.”
ABOUT OCEAN CLUB GOLF COURSE
Atlantis Paradise Island’s Ocean Club Golf Course offers a challenging and beautiful course for golfers desiring championship play. Masterfully conceived, the Tom Weiskopf-designed 18-hole, par 72 championship course stretches over 7,100 yards on Atlantis’ peninsula. The course has hosted iconic sporting events such as the Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational (MJCI), the Michael Douglas & Friends Celebrity Golf Tournament and the Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic. For more information about Atlantis Paradise Island Resort and the Ocean Club please visit www.atlantisbahamas.com.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
For White Sands Bahamas NCAA Invitational
Contact: Mike Harmon
[email protected]
Contact: Craig Smith
[email protected]
BAHAMAS MINISTRY OF TOURISM, INVESTMENTS & AVIATION CONTACT:
Anita Johnson-Patty
[email protected]
ATLANTIS CONTACT:
Katie Longley
Atlantis Paradise Island
242-376-1034
[email protected]
