The 2025 NCAA Women’s Golf season has brought another exciting chapter to the fast-growing and fiercely competitive world of collegiate golf. With some of the nation’s best young talent competing from coast to coast, the season has featured elite performances, rising stars, and thrilling team rivalries. As the postseason approaches, anticipation builds for the NCAA Championships in sunny California, where the best teams and individuals will face off for collegiate golf’s top honor.
How the NCAA Women’s Golf Season Works
The NCAA women’s golf calendar runs across two main seasons—fall and spring—culminating in postseason play that determines both individual and team champions.
Season Format:
- Fall Season (September–November): Teams compete in invitationals and national events to build early-season rankings.
- Spring Season (February–May): The main portion of the schedule, including marquee tournaments and conference championships.
Postseason Breakdown:
- Conference Championships (Late April): Automatic qualifiers for the NCAA Regionals are determined here.
- NCAA Regionals (May 5–7, 2025): Six regional tournaments are held across the country. The top 5 teams and the top individual not on a qualifying team from each regional advance to nationals.
- NCAA Championships (May 16–21, 2025): Hosted this year at La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, California.
- Stroke Play (First 3.5 days): All 30 qualifying teams compete. After 54 holes, the top 15 teams and top 9 individuals not on those teams advance.
- Match Play (Final 2 days): The top 8 teams compete head-to-head in a bracket format to determine the national champion.
2025 Season Highlights
This season has seen remarkable performances from both powerhouse programs and up-and-coming contenders:
- Stanford’s Title Defense: The Cardinal, led by a strong mix of experienced upperclassmen and top-ranked recruits, have continued to perform at a high level. They’ve secured multiple team titles and remain one of the deepest squads in the country.
- Wake Forest’s Consistency: The Demon Deacons have quietly put together one of the most consistent seasons in the NCAA, finishing in the top 3 in nearly every tournament. Their well-rounded lineup and strong senior leadership make them a serious threat.
- Texas A&M’s Breakthrough Year: The Aggies have emerged as a surprise contender, winning the SEC Championship and taking down several top-10 teams in head-to-head matchups this spring.
- USC and UCLA Battle for West Coast Supremacy: The Trojans and Bruins have both notched big tournament wins and feature some of the best young talent in the nation. Their rivalry has added extra heat to the West Region this year.
- Individual Stardom: Players like Megha Ganne (Stanford), Rachel Kuehn (Wake Forest), and Amari Avery (USC) have dominated headlines with consistently low rounds and clutch performances on the biggest stages.
Top Teams to Watch Heading Into Nationals
- Stanford Cardinal
The reigning national champions have continued to dominate, led by their superstar core. With experience and talent, Stanford is the heavy favorite to repeat.
- Wake Forest Demon Deacons
This deep and balanced team has shown they can perform in both stroke play and match play formats. They’re hungry for their first national title.
- Texas A&M Aggies
Hot off a big SEC Championship win, Texas A&M is peaking at the right time. Their fearless style and team chemistry make them a strong match play team.
- USC Trojans
With multiple tournament wins and a powerful one-two punch at the top of the lineup, USC is ready to make another deep run.
- LSU Tigers
The Tigers have flown under the radar this season but possess the talent and tenacity to be a dangerous out in match play.
NCAA Championships 2025: A Return to La Costa
The national championship returns to La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, California, a picturesque but challenging course that demands smart play and mental toughness. The course setup will test every aspect of a player’s game—especially under the pressure of team match play.
Why NCAA Women’s Golf is Rising Fast
College women’s golf has exploded in popularity in recent years, thanks to increased TV coverage, the rise of young stars, and the drama of match play finishes. Programs are investing more than ever in coaching, facilities, and recruitment, elevating the level of competition across all conferences.
The sport also provides a clear pathway to the LPGA Tour, with recent NCAA stars like Rose Zhang and Rachel Heck proving that college golf is a direct stepping stone to the professional ranks.
The Road to the La Costa
The 2025 NCAA Women’s Golf season has been a spectacular display of talent, determination, and sportsmanship. As teams head to Regionals and look ahead to La Costa, fans can expect an unforgettable finish. With national pride, team chemistry, and individual dreams on the line, the stage is set for college golf’s most exciting showdown of the year.
Learn more at: https://www.ncaa.com/sports/golf-women/d1
The Sport Lady has been a lifelong sports enthusiast. She believes that sports have the power to unite people, create common bonds, and foster shared experiences. As a wife and mother of sports lovers, she is passionate about her favorite teams and cherishes every opportunity to watch them play. For her, every day is game day!