Men’s and women’s collegiate golf returns to NW Arkansas for Southeastern Conference showdown
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – A men’s and women’s collegiate tournament will make its debut at Blessings Golf Club October 5-7, announced today by tournament officials. Unveiled as the Blessings Collegiate Invitational presented by Tyson Foods, the event is expected to feature all 14 Southeastern Conferences men’s and women’s teams. The tournament will be broadcast live on the Golf Channel Monday, October 5 – Wednesday, October 7 from 3:30pm – 6:30pm CT each day.
“We are committed to the support of college athletics, one of the many ways we contribute to our communities and celebrate NW Arkansas as a great place to live and work,” stated John Tyson, Chairman of Tyson Foods, Inc. “The inauguration of the Blessings Collegiate Invitational allows us to showcase the vibrant and growing NW Arkansas community while allowing student golf athletes to compete at a world class venue.”
The Blessings Collegiate Invitational is a 54-hole stroke play competition, with the men’s and women’s teams competing on the same course and in the same conditions throughout the week. There will be awards for men’s and women’s team and individual competitions, as well as awards for the school with the best overall combined men’s and women’s individual and team scores.
“With the cancellation of our 2020 spring season, our student-athletes are thrilled to have the opportunity to compete once again,” stated University of Arkansas women’s golf coach, Shauna Taylor. “We encourage Razorback fans and community supporters to tune-in to Golf Channel in October for this exciting collegiate event,” added University of Arkansas men’s golf coach, Brad McMakin.
In partnership with the University of Arkansas, Blessings Golf Club hosted the Men’s and Women’s NCAA Championships in May 2019.
“We are proud to showcase NW Arkansas and Blessings Golf Club to a global audience through the Blessings Collegiate Invitational,” said Richard Cromwell, Blessings Golf Club General Manager. “We are confident this men’s and women’s event will provide an exciting television viewing experience while also highlighting the incredible quality of young talent within the sport. We look forward to welcoming the SEC teams to Blessings Golf Club in October for this premier collegiate event.”
Event officials are working closely with the University of Arkansas and will follow health department guidelines to protect the well-being of participants and staff. Spectators will not be permitted to attend the tournament but are encouraged to view the event’s Golf Channel television broadcast. Organizers plan to implement protective health and sanitation procedures onsite, in efforts to safeguard participants and volunteers throughout the tournament in October.
Volunteer opportunities for the tournament will be announced in the coming weeks. To stay up to date with event information and news, please visit BlessingsCollegiate.com or follow the event on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.