The NCAA News - News and Features

The NCAA News -- August 16, 1999

II/III women's golf group refines plans for separate championships

The Divisions II and III Women's Golf Committee passed several actions regarding the coming split in championships during its annual meeting June 26-28 in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

The decision to separate the championships was passed at the NCAA Convention in January, raising the total number of NCAA championships to 82. The previous four championships have been in a combined Division II/III format.

Both championships will maintain the date formula that was used for the combined tournament (the second full week in May). Division II will mandate that the competition days be Wednesday through Saturday. Division III will continue to allow competition on either Tuesday through Friday or Wednesday through Saturday.

The committee also recommended to the Divisions II and III Championships Committees that the minimum number of 18-hole rounds played for selection purposes be increased. Division II will recommend an increase to 15 rounds, including four in the spring. Division III will recommend an increase to 12 rounds, including three in the spring. The minimum for selection is nine.

Both divisions will continue to schedule two practice rounds at the championships. Teams and individuals are not required to participate in practice rounds.

The committee eliminated a stipulation that the championships would not be extended beyond the originally published dates. The minimum of 18 holes to determine the national champion will be retained.

In another action, the committee agreed that the designated coach will be allowed to shuttle players to and from restrooms when rulings and emergencies occur during the championships competition.