Championship Golf Heads to Rawls Course
November 15, 2014 | Men's Golf
The Rawls Course is considered one of the premier golf courses in the nation.div> Nov. 15, 2014
BY BRITTON DROWN
Special to TexasTech.com
For the first time in program history, the Red Raider men's golf team will have the opportunity to look towards a distinct benefit in the NCAA Tournament during the upcoming spring season.
Home course advantage.
The Rawls Course, frequently recognized as one of the top NCAA golf venues in the country, will play host to the NCAA Regionals May 14-16 as the top men's collegiate golfers in the country descend on Lubbock.
The announcement was made in 2012 and immediately Texas Tech head men's golf coach Greg Sands grew excited for the opportunity for his program.
"I was elated." Sands said. "Many years have passed and we have played on other team's home course. For, the first time in 15 years, we will be able to have a home course advantage and that means so much in the game of golf."
Texas Tech last had the opportunity to host the tournament in 2005 when the Lady Raiders welcomed the NCAA Women's Central Region Tournament.
The 2015 NCAA Regional golf tournament brings 13-14 qualifying teams from around the country to compete for a spot at the NCAA Championships set for May 29-June 3 in Tampa.
Resting on the South Plains, the Rawls Course has been named the No. 4 collegiate course in the nation by Golfweek Magazine. The course was also ranked No. 2 course in the state of Texas in 2013 by Golfweek and has consistently garnered similar recognition from publications throughout the state and country.
The challenging course has certainly built a reputation over the years, and now will present an exciting challenge to the best of the NCAA in May.
"I am excited to see the reaction of those teams to the Rawls Course," Sands said. "Because it is so different and so unique compared to most championship venues."
While the course itself has maintained a stellar reputation since its completion in 2003, the facility recently received a major boost by the Texas Tech administration and donors. In 2012, Texas Tech cut the ribbon on a massive renovation to the Texas Tech golf facility with the opening of the $3.7 million Cash Family Clubhouse and Team Facility. The upgraded facilities included new team areas and locker rooms for both the men's and women's programs as well as restaurant and gathering areas for patrons.
The facelift transformed the facility into not only a premier golf course, but also a state-of-the-art cornerstone to both programs.
It's safe to say the Rawls Course is a collegiate golf destination worthy of the championship tournament set for next spring.
Hosting a tournament in front of a home crowd is something nobody on the Texas Tech roster has had the opportunity to do in their careers. However, an NCAA Regional Championship will certainly make it worth the wait.
"Our players are super excited and foaming at the mouth," Sands said. "Anytime you're playing in front of your own fans, the players get excited. And, none of the players on this team have played in a home event."
The Red Raiders have qualified for 13 consecutive NCAA Tournaments, the longest active streak on campus and the second longest in Texas Tech history.