"Disgraceful And Shameful" - NCAA Women's Tournament Controversially Cancelled
Players and coaches were left outraged after the NCAA committee at the women's golf regional in Baton Rouge decided to cancel the event on Wednesday.
Players and coaches were left outraged after the NCAA committee at the women's golf regional in Baton Rouge decided to cancel the event on Wednesday.
"Disgraceful And Shameful" - NCAA Women's Tournament Controversially Cancelled
The NCAA committee abruptly cancelled the NCAA women's golf regional in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on Wednesday before players had even taken a shot.
The National Collegiate Athletic Association is a member-led organisation that runs the the highest level collegiate sports leagues in the US, with players such as Tiger Woods and Bryson DeChambeau both winning individual NCAA titles in their amateur days.
NCAA committee representative Brad Hurlbut broke the news to players outside of the clubhouse, announcing that the golf course was playable but not championship-level playable due to standing water on the course.
"Look, this is one of the most gut-wrenching decisions and announcements that I’ve ever been a part of," said Hurlbut to the players, caught on camera.
"Therefore, the top six teams that were seeded will advance along with the top three individuals that were not on those teams."
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
"Again, heart-wrenching decision that we had to make.
"The course is playable, but not playable at a championship level."
Miami player Sara Byrne shared the video to social media, displaying outrage at the decision - especially with Hurlbut claiming the course "is playable."
Consequently, the top six seeds automatically advance to the NCAA Championship, with the top three players from outside of those teams also advancing.
LSU, Mississippi, Baylor, Oregon, Maryland and Alabama are among the top six teams progressing to the NCAA Championship on May 21-26, at Grayhawk Golf Club in Arizona.
The three highest-ranked players not on those teams include Houston’s Karen Fredgaard, Miami’s Nataliya Guseva and Sam Houston State’s Hanna Alberto.
In the event that no golf is played, it is committee policy for teams to advance based on their seedings, echoed by NCAA rules stipulating that regional competition cannot extend past Wednesday.
"The NCAA Division I Women’s Golf Committee regrets that the 2021 NCAA Division I Women’s Golf Championships regional in Baton Rouge could not be conducted as scheduled this week," an NCAA statement read.
"The University Club has taken on over 7 inches of rain in the past several days.
"The Division I Women’s Golf Committee, NCAA staff and the Games Committee in Baton Rouge have been in constant communication throughout the past several days about the course conditions that have led to this unprecedented and most difficult decision."
Miami player Kristyna Frydlova shared photos of the course to Twitter, arguing against the NCAA's controversial decision.
However, players would have needed to play using lift, clean, and place, while some bunkers still needed water removed from them at 11am on Wednesday.
The seventh hole also had a small lake of standing water in its fairway.
LPGA player and wife of Houston head coach Gerrod Chadwell, Stacy Lewis, also took to social media to provide her opinion on the matter on the controversially cancelled NCAA women's tournament.
"There’s a lot I could say on this, but NCAA, you failed these kids," Lewis wrote.
"Be creative, be willing to adapt, and most importantly, let their play decide who plays for a national championship."
Ryan has worked as a junior staff writer for Golf Monthly since 2021.
-
How Does NIL Work In NCAA College Golf?
Name, image and likeness deals were given the green light by the NCAA in 2021, but how does it work in college golf?
By Mike Hall Published
-
Which Players Secured A DP World Tour Card At The 2024 Challenge Tour Grand Final?
The Challenge Tour Grand Final threw up drama yet again, as 22 players secured their playing rights and cards to the DP World Tour next season
By Matt Cradock Published
-
Rory McIlroy Gym Routine... Revealed!
In this Rory McIlroy Gym Routine article we discover how the Northern Irishman keeps himself so fit
By Neil Tappin Published
-
What Is Tiger Woods' Net Worth?
Tiger Woods became the first billion dollar athlete in 2009
By Elliott Heath Last updated
-
The Masters Live Stream: How To Watch The Major
Here are all the details on how you can watch the Major wherever you are in the world.
By Sam Tremlett Published
-
Five Outsiders Who Could Win The Masters
We consider five players who might surprise the favourites and claim victory at Augusta
By Fergus Bisset Published
-
Who Is Tiger Woods’ Girlfriend?
Find out more on who the American professional golfer is going out with here.
By Matt Cradock Last updated
-
Bermuda Championship Golf Betting Tips 2021
Who is the GM Tipster backing to win this week in Bermuda?
By Jeremy Chapman Published
-
Jeff Winther Claims Maiden European Tour Title
Jeff Winther Claims Maiden European Tour Title
By Matt Cradock Published
-
Fredrik Andersson Hed Passes Away Following Battle With Cancer
Fredrik Andersson Hed Passes Away Following Battle With Cancer
By Matt Cradock Published