As the focus of the sports world is on college athletics this months, I thought it might be interesting to see how the schools that have made the Sweet 16 in the NCAA basketball tournament would fare when it comes to golf. So I pitted them against each other based on their course offerings—both for their varsity teams and for the student body at large—for the next two rounds, coming up with a pretty compelling Final Four of golf.
If your team can't win on the court, perhaps they'll do better on the links.
SWEET SIXTEEN
MIDWEST
Northern Iowa vs. Michigan State
Northern Iowa may be the Cinderella of March Madness, but when it comes to golf, it is as overmatched as the basketball team was on paper against Kansas. Michigan State boasts the 36-hole Forest Akers facility, whose West course is among the best public layouts in the state.
Winner: Michigan State
Tennessee vs. Ohio State
When it comes to golf, this matchup is just as lopsided as the previous contest. While all Tennessee has is a driving range (a team-only practice facility is planned), Ohio State boasts 36 holes, including the famous Scarlet, which was designed by Alister MacKenzie and recently restored by Jack Nicklaus
Winner: Ohio State
WEST
Syracuse vs. Butler
The Orange don't even have golf teams and unless students are planning on hitting balls inside the Carrier Dome, the area's golf choices are limited. Although Butler is located in basketball-crazy Indiana, it does have men's and women's golf teams and the Indianapolis area does have some decent layouts for students.
Winner: Butler
Xavier vs. Kansas State
The Xavier golf teams practice at several Cincinnati-area courses, including Oasis Golf Club. But you have to ask yourself: An oasis from what? Kansas State has Colbert Hills, co-designed by alum Jim Colbert and Jeff Brauer, which is one of the best courses in the state.
Winner: Kansas State
EAST
Kentucky vs. Cornell
Kentucky golfers have access to practice facilities both on and off campus, as well as two courses at the University Club, which is a private club. Robert Trent Jones designed a course for Cornell, his alma mater. More importantly, it is open to the university community: Students can join for as little as $680 a year.
Winner: Cornell
Washington vs. West Virginia
While Washington National Golf Club is neither owned nor operated by the university, it is the home facility for the varsity teams and offers special rates for students. The Mountaineers have neither a team nor a course.
Winner: Washington
SOUTH
Duke vs. Purdue
When it comes to golf, this is the best matchup in this round. Duke has a Robert Trent Jones Jr. course that has been redesigned by his son Rees. Purdue has two layouts, one of which was designed by native Hoosier Pete Dye. While Duke's course is better, Purdue has an additional course in its favor. For golf lovers, the deciding factor is Duke's location, 70 miles from Pinehurst.
Winner: Duke
Baylor vs. Saint Mary's
Neither school has its own course, and teams from both schools practice at local courses. While Saint Mary's is the underdog on the court, its Northern California location makes it the favorite from a golf perspective.
Winner: Saint Mary's
ELITE EIGHT
MIDWEST
Michigan State vs. Ohio State
This is a battle of impressive 36-hole complexes, but the Spartans can't match the Buckeyes' golf history and names like MacKenzie and Nicklaus.
Winner: Ohio State
WEST
Butler vs. Kansas State
This one is a rout. K-State has one of the country's best college courses, which students can play for as little as $25.
Winner: Kansas State
EAST
Cornell vs. Washington
Although Washington National is a good course, it is hard to beat a Trent Jones layout that is located on campus.
Winner: Cornell
SOUTH
Duke vs. Saint Mary's
Another rout between a school with very good college course against one that doesn't have any on-campus golf.
Winner: Duke
FINAL FOUR
Ohio State vs. Kansas State
Cornell vs. Duke
There you have it. What's interesting is that aside from Cornell, those are highly probable Final Four teams. So using this methodology could be just as interesting for the entire bracket. Just a thought.
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