Men's golf earns 6th straight NCAA bid

The University of North Georgia (UNG) men's golf team has earned its sixth consecutive NCAA Division II postseason appearance. Ranked No. 11 nationally, the Nighthawks will take part in the South/Southeast Regional from May 7-9 at Valdosta Country Club in Valdosta, Georgia.

This regional includes 20 teams and eight individuals, with the top seven teams and top two individuals not advancing on teams moving on to the national championship, set for May 18-22 at Boulder Creek Golf Club in Boulder City, Nevada.

UNG secured the No. 5 seed in the Southeast Region after recording five top-five finishes this season, including a victory at the Savannah Lakes Fall Invitational.

The Nighthawks are coming off NCAA semifinal appearances in 2024 and 2025, including reaching the championship match in 2024. Senior Hunter Smith won the individual NCAA Division II men's golf title in 2025 and is in his final season with the Nighthawks this year.

"We never take for granted making it to the NCAA tournament. We're in the toughest region in the country, and we're excited for the opportunity to advance to the NCAA finals again," head coach Bryson Worley said. "Expectations are high at North Georgia, and I'm looking forward to watching this group continue to grow and make a run."

Other Southeast Region teams include Georgia Southwestern, Wingate, Catawba, Columbus State, USC Aiken, Lincoln Memorial, USC Beaufort, Flagler, and Emmanuel.

The South Region teams at the tournament include West Florida, Florida Southern, Nova Southeastern, Saint Leo, Lee, Barry, Rollins, Palm Beach Atlantic, Lynn, and Miles.

UNG finished in fifth at the April 19-21 PBC championship.

Smith was a first-team All-PBC performer this season, with junior Colby Bennett earning second-team All-PBC honors.