Charlotte, NC – The NJCAA has announced the creation of Division I and Division III in women's golf following the June NJCAA Board of Regents Meeting. Currently, NJCAA women's golf is nondivisional across the association with over 80 participating teams. Activity surrounding both divisions will take flight at the start of the 2021-22 academic year.
"The formation of two divisions for our women's golf programs is monumental in supporting female student-athletes and growing the competitive pool of the sport," stated Dr. Christopher Parker, NJCAA President and CEO. "Providing equal opportunity for all our member colleges is the driving force behind all we do."
The expansion of women's golf is another milestone towards offering equitable opportunity for female student-athletes and their endeavors. As the first association to establish a women's division in collegiate athletics, the NJCAA prioritizes athletic and academic pursuits for female student-athletes in all circumstances.
"I think the formation of the two women's golf divisions will be beneficial to the overall student-athlete experience for all athletes competing at both levels," said Laura Brown, NJCAA Women's Golf Coaches Association President. "Providing more equality during the season and at National Championships will have a very positive impact on the student-athletes, allowing both divisions an opportunity to compete for a National Championship at the appropriate level which is a great direction for women's golf."
The NJCAA currently offers three divisions of men's golf with over 150 participating teams. Come next year, the 2022 NJCAA Division I Women's Golf Championship will be held at Timacuan Golf Course in Lake Mary, Florida and the NJCAA Division III Women's Golf Championship will take place at the Chautauqua Golf Club in Chautauqua, NY in conjunction with the NJCAA Division III Men's Golf Championship.
Two sport committees are in the process of being formed for Division I and Division III women's golf with more information to come.