News Summary
The Hayt Collegiate Invitational begins today at Sawgrass Country Club, featuring elite collegiate golf programs including #1 Virginia, #2 Auburn, and #6 LSU. This 54-hole stroke play tournament hosted by the University of North Florida promises thrilling competition over three days, showcasing 16 teams battling on a challenging par-72 course. Golf enthusiasts can expect high-level play as the event leads up to the prestigious Players Championship next week.
Top-Ranked Teams Tee Off at The Hayt Collegiate Invitational
The stage is set, and the excitement is palpable as the Hayt Collegiate Invitational kicks off today, Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the stunning Sawgrass Country Club. A robust lineup featuring some of the best collegiate golf programs in the country is ready to tee off for three days of fierce competition. Among them are the top dogs: #1 Virginia, #2 Auburn, and #6 LSU, showcasing their skills on this tricky Florida course.
What to Expect from This Exciting Tournament?
Hosted by the University of North Florida, this tournament is a 54-hole stroke play showdown that will unfold from March 7 to March 9. Each day, players will take on 18 holes, where the lowest four scores from each five-man team will count towards their overall score. With 16 teams in the running and eight of them ranked in the top 25 nationally, the level of play is sure to be exhilarating!
Who’s Competing on This Challenging Course?
In addition to the aforementioned top-ranked teams, there’s a star-studded cast of contenders, including #11 Texas Tech, #15 Alabama, #17 North Carolina, #20 Duke, and #21 Charlotte. Other formidable teams in the mix include Clemson, Coastal Carolina, Liberty, Louisville, North Florida, South Carolina, UCF, and USF. They’ll all be tackling the demanding par-72 layout that stretches across a robust 6,966 yards.
The Historic Background of Sawgrass Country Club
Now, let’s take a moment to appreciate Sawgrass Country Club. This gem of a course has made waves in golf history, having previously hosted The Players Championship from 1977 to 1981. Its close proximity to the iconic TPC Sawgrass, known for being the home of The Players Championship, creates an electric atmosphere for every golfer who steps foot on the greens here. Speaking of which, mark your calendars—the prestigious Players Championship will be happening at TPC Sawgrass from March 10 to March 15, 2026.
Key Features of The Hayt Collegiate Invitational
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Event Name | The Hayt Collegiate Invitational |
| Dates | March 7-9, 2026 |
| Location | Sawgrass Country Club, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida |
| Host University | University of North Florida |
| Format | 54-hole stroke play (18 holes per day) |
| Course Par | Par 72 |
| Course Yardage | 6,966 yards (Sawgrass Country Club) |
| Top-Ranked Teams (Partial List) | #1 Virginia, #2 Auburn, #6 LSU, #11 Texas Tech, #15 Alabama, #17 North Carolina, #20 Duke, #21 Charlotte |
| Nearby Major Event | The Players Championship (March 10-15, 2026, at TPC Sawgrass) |
As the competition heats up over the next few days, all eyes will be on these collegiate stars as they aim for glory on the greens. Golf enthusiasts won’t want to miss a moment of this thrilling tournament!
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Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
