Division III's consideration of moving the championship segment in golf and tennis to the fall generated feedback from the Division III Women's Golf Committee at the group's annual meeting July 11-14 in San Diego.

The Division III Championships Committee had asked for input from the golf and tennis committees after the idea surfaced to contest championships in those sports in the fall. Proponents of the idea say it makes sense because a number of teams play the bulk of their schedules at that time of year. Several conferences conduct their league championships then as well. And with automatic qualification on the way in 2007 in both sports, some people say they would hate to see the AQ for a spring championship determined in the fall.

The Division III Women's Golf Committee, however, continues to oppose the concept, stating that the current championship segment in the spring provides a more meaningful experience for student-athletes. They also note that weather restrictions in some regions make it difficult for those institutions to play their entire schedule in the fall. Committee members say the current format still provides plenty of competitive opportunities in the fall without sacrificing the more traditional golf season in the spring.

The committee used an informal survey to help develop its position. In an e-mail solicitation this spring, not one coach who responded did so in support of a change.

The Division III Management Council also discussed the issue at its July 18-19 meeting and granted permission for the Championships Committee to more formally survey the Division III membership about the matter. The Division III Student-Athlete Advisory Committee also will be asked to comment.

The other primary topic at the golf committee meeting was how to accommodate bracket expansion in 2007. The championship that year will be the first using an 18-team field (up from 10) and a total of 100 participants (an increase of 40).

Golf committee members decided on a format similar to the current one regarding pairings, seedings and tee times. The format didn't require an overhaul since the 18-team field still fits comfortably within the course of the day. The only significant change is that play will last longer than in previous years, though the new format still will be able to accommodate weather delays if necessary.

The 2006 and 2007 championships will be at Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida, hosted by Oglethorpe University and the Central Florida Sports Commission.

The golf committee also discussed how automatic qualification will affect how the committee selects teams for the national tournament beginning in 2007. Not only are the selection dynamics different under the AQ scenario, the committee remains uncertain whether conferences designated to receive AQ are meeting minimum participation and contest requirements. Committee members have heard at least anecdotally that some leagues may not have the requisite number of golf teams that play enough contests to be considered for automatic qualification.

The committee will correspond with leagues this fall to ascertain more details. The group also will use data reported to Golfstat to help determine whether schools are meeting minimum-contest requirements.

In other action, the committee recommended a change in the date formula for future championships that would become effective in 2008 if approved. Committee members want to establish the second Tuesday or Wednesday in May as the championship start date. The current formula stipulates the first full week in May, but committee members think that delays the event too much when the first day of the month falls on a Thursday or Friday.