Here’s a simple question for you: What does it take to be competitive in women’s Division II golf? How about win the team national championship? How about the individual national championship? While many female junior golfers set their sights to play for a Division I program, they may be missing out on an opportunity to play at a school that provides them the best fit, while still experiencing some highly competitive golf. Many people see Division I programs as the pinnacle but the top Division II can compete and beat Division I teams.

By the numbers

Data from the last five years of NCAA Women’s Golf Division II Championship suggests “these girls have game.” The 2018 Champions, University of Indianapolis (UINDY), tallied a winning score of 1157 – 289.25 per round, which is slightly above 72 for each player’s score counting towards the team score. According to Golfstat.com, the official rankings of college golf, these scores would be comparable to Division I teams like Southern California whose players average 72.21, or NCAA Division I champs Arizona, whose players average 72.69.

Such scores are not the outliers. Florida teams that have taken home the title in the last five years have similar scores. In 2017, Barry won the championship with a team total of 1222 (highest of the five years) — team average of 305.5 per round and player average of just a little north of 76. Powerhouse Rollins (six time national champions) took the title in 2016, shooting 1173 — 293.25 team average per round and 73.3 player average. And finally Lynn won the title in 2014 posting a team score of 1164 — team average of 291 and player average of 72.75.

On the individual side, 2018 champion Katharina Keilich of UINDY was crowned the individual champion with a total score of 287 (-1). In 2017 Marie Coors of St Leo posted a score of 295 (+7), while Gabrielle Shipley of Grand Valley State had an impressive tournament in 2016, shooting 282 (-6) to win. Brenna Moore in 2015 brought home the individual title for Midwestern State with a score of 297 (+9). And to round out the last five individual champions, Lousie Manalo of Lynn shot 287 (+3). This means the average score to win is 289.6 and almost half the time, the winner breaks par!

D II Overview

The fact is that in D2 Women’s Golf, there are a number of really good teams. Here are the top 5 ranked season averages from 2017-2018:

• UINDY – 293.2
• Nova Southeastern – 295.5
• Dallas Baptist – 293.7
• Barry – 299.4
• St. Leo – 302.3

How about teams ranked 20th-24th?

• Missouri St Louis – 305.2
• St Edwards – 306.9
• Cal State Monterey Bay – 311.1
• Lenoir Rhyne – 309.8
• West GA – 311.3

As you get to teams ranked closer to 50th you’ll see team scoring averages in the 315 range and teams ranked closer to 100th team scoring averages move up to 330 range. Golfstat ranks over 180 programs for Division II women’s golf.

Funded vs. Non-Funded

According to Brendan Ryan of Golf Placement Services, it is important that prospective student athletes and their families understand the idea of funded vs. non-funded programs. Over the past decade, golf has seen an drastic increase in the commitment of schools which has resulted in better facilities and more professional coaches at almost every level of the sport.

However, this does not mean that all programs are appropriately funded. While it is impossible to know the exact numbers, Brendan suggests that approximately 60% of Division 1 schools, 20% of Division 2 schools and 10% of Division III schools are funded with either the appropriate number of scholarships or the funding to travel and equip the players properly or both.

Knowing that not all programs, regardless of division are not fully funded with both athletic and aid and budget money it is important for the student athlete to think through the overall experience they want and how the financial side fits their needs.

Advice in pursuing D II Options

Everything in the recruitment process begins with research to ensure you find a place where you can succeed academically, athletically and socially. Make sure each school you are considering has the major you plan on studying. Next consider athletically; is it a school you’d be able to earn a travel spot or is your scoring average towards the 4th or 5th player’s score? Remember great coaches recruit number one players (difference makers)!