FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 27, 2023 (Paradise Island, Bahamas) – Nine men’s and 11 women’s top collegiate teams will compete in October at the prestigious White Sands Bahamas NCAA Invitational. For the fourth year, the annual golf tournament will be played at the Ocean Club Golf Course, Atlantis Paradise Island. The tournament was previously played at this golf course in 2019, 2021 and 2022.
The men’s tournament will take place from Oct. 18-22, while the women’s competition will run from Oct. 25-29. Santa Clara University will serve as the host school for both 54-hole competitions. A welcome reception at the Ocean Club’s clubhouse is planned for the participants following their first practice dates.
The men’s teams competing are Georgia State, Jacksonville State, North Alabama, North Texas, Santa Clara, Southern Illinois, St. Mary’s, Wichita State and Wofford.
The women’s teams entered are UNU-Charlotte, Delaware, Eastern Kentucky, Eastern Michigan, Grand Canyon, Kansas State, North Florida, Santa Clara, Tampa, Troy and Tulane.
“The Bahamas is a picture-perfect backdrop for this prestigious tournament and an ideal destination for the athletes and spectators to unwind and rejuvenate in between rounds of competition,” said Latia Duncombe, Director General, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation. “Our warm hospitality, pristine white sand beaches, and wealth of cultural attractions and experiences await all attendees. We are confident that this tournament will not only be a memorable sporting event, but also an opportunity for everyone to discover the many reasons why they should return to explore more of our 16 incredible island destinations.”
“On behalf of the Ocean Club Golf Course and Atlantis Paradise Island, we extend a warm welcome to all the athletes competing in the 2023 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 offer our course as a true test for top amateur golfers. We are looking forward to the competition and the chance to showcase our beautiful destination.”
The men will play at 7,159 yards while the women will play at 6,415 yards over the par 72 Ocean Club Golf Course, designed by past major champion Tom Weiskopf.
Houston, Mississippi and Duke are past winners of the men’s competitions, with Texas, Campbell and Lipscomb winning the three previous women’s championships. Duke won the men’s title last year while Lipscomb took home the 2022 women’s title.
For more coverage of the 2023 White Sands Bahamas NCAA Invitational, follow @WhiteSandsBah on social media and use the following hashtags: #WhiteSandsBahamas and #WhiteSandsNCAA or visit WhiteSandsBahamas.com
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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]
BAHAMAS MINISTRY OF TOURISM, INVESTMENTS & AVIATION CONTACT:
Anita Johnson-Patty
[email protected]
ATLANTIS CONTACT:
Katie Longley
Atlantis Paradise Island
242-376-1034
[email protected]
