Tournament Picks – Travelers Championship

For the third consecutive week, the NLU crew is celebrating the return of golf by making gambling picks via the DraftKings Sportsbook app. To compliment the release of each video (if you missed this week's, 

), the guys have graciously invited me to provide an unbiased 

 breakdown of the crew's predictions. I will also tabulate each week's results and accumulate totals to keep everything as fair as Al Czervik would advise.  

Here are this week's picks, one by one. My take can be found beneath each of the NLU crew's picks in the section labeled 

where scummy, time-consuming greens books are rendered useless.

Bryson DeChambeau to Win (14:1) - Risking 

Collin Morikawa to finish Top 20 (+163) – Risking 

Sergio Garcia to finish Top 20 (2:1) – Risking 

LAST WEEK'S TOTAL: -27 Points. YEAR TO DATE TOTAL: -127 Points.

 UNLEASH THE KRAKEN! Although TPC River Highlands isn't necessarily a bomber's paradise, Soly expects Bryson to untame his beast this week. "B-rye" had another mediocre putting week around a course that neutralized his mass of ass...and still finished T8. His results should improve on a course slightly more suited to his strengths.

Following an usually positive Sunday on the greens for Ser-hee-o, the crew discussed whether they believed he would ever win on Tour again during Monday's recap pod. Soly argued he would "sooner or later" and is putting his proverbial nuggets where his mouth is in literally the earliest possible sense of that phrase. Let's just hope the prickly Spaniard wasn't unintentionally referring to himself when he mentioned there were players more deserving of contracting COVID-19. Taking a flier on Dahmen, a recent

, on a course that has yielded the only 58 in Tour history (shoutout Jax native & WWOG contestant Jim Furyk) seems worth the risk.

After riding with honest Abe all throughout last week, he is notably absent from Soly's lineup this week. My view? Soly had no choice as a founding member of the No Laying Up brand. An endorsement this week would have implied tolerance of Abe's "layup" putt that would have forced a playoff last week.

Ryan Ruffels to Win the Utah Championship (KFT) (90:1) - Risking 

Zac Blair to Finish Top 20 (12:1) – Risking

WEEKLY TOTAL: +49 Points. YEAR TO DATE TOTAL: +19 Points.

Grumpy Tron rolled out of bed and decided to protest the 5-play maximum by making decidedly less than 5 plays. To be fair, his crankiness is likely attributible to spending the previous night speaking with Hitter Blanco about the legality of the arm-lock putting method until the wee hours of the morning. This also would explain the need for his controversial Starbucks cup seen in the preview video.

In an attempt to cheer himself up, TC is following the heart with his picks this week. If you've ever gambled, you know this 

 works out. The potential for over 4,300 points is there...and frankly I think we'd all be stumped if the TC way produces anything less.

Paul Casey to finish Top 5 (9:1) – Risking 

Chez Reavie to finish Top 10 (12:1) – Risking 

**note that Neil originally picked Cam Champ to Top 10 before his W/D**

LAST WEEK'S TOTAL: -100 Points. YEAR TO DATE TOTAL: -200 Points.

A truly puzzling RBC Heritage week for Icarito was perhaps summed up perfectly by his boy Chezzie finishing mini DFL (last of those who survived the cut). If you thought two straight weeks with almost no sign of elite play would deter Icarito from backing Chez again this week, you don't know Icarito. Neil may need an aid to quit Chez as badly as 

On paper, Neil’s picks last week didn’t look great. In reality, they were worse. If the “ethos” of the new gambling segment is to provide a rooting interest for each Sunday, consider Neil’s performance last week a big right miss. But I believe in this week's strategy (which only Neil could surmise) of picking "solid ball-strikers who learned to putt in the last three months."

People are talking. The rumor is that Neil’s anti-Bryson pick last week and obvious avoidance this week may be deeply rooted in jealousy. As Big Randy so righteously pointed out during this past week’s 

, Neil has been on a fitness journey of his own recently (in tandem of course with Shaun T). Unlike Bryson, Icarito’s results have yet to translate into improved play or gambling prowess. The prevailing belief is that the process is bound to produce...but, truthfully, who could say?

Max Homa to finish Top 10 (12:1) - Risking 

Bubba Watson to finish Top 10 (3:1) – Risking 

Viktor Hovland to finish Top 20 (5:2) – Risking 

Bryson DeChambeau to lead after round 1 (20:1) - Risking 

LAST WEEK'S TOTAL: +480 Points. YEAR TO DATE TOTAL: +380 Points.

Last week was redemptive in more ways than one, as DJ’s pointed strategy to back Rahm, Simpson and Smith (all MC’d at Colonial) handsomely rewarded him with 560 nuggets. CBS was unfortuntely unable to get a post-round word with DJ, but many of his delegates commented on his humility, repeating “that’s Dennis” and “he’d never want to make the story about him."

As he admitted, DJ spent his allotment this week the way a child might spend $20 when the ice cream truck rolls into the neighborhood. What good is house money if it can't be spent? Despite acknowledging that the "Hovland can't chip" theory had some serious legs at Harbour Town last week, Dennis is nonetheless electing to test the Norwegian waters this week. I'd say Bryson's odds of leading after round 1 are about as good as Dennis slipping up and saying, "Hello, friends" to open a Wild World of Golf....which is to say, it is very possible.

Randy declined to make picks this week and instead graciously offered his time to assist Colonial CC's Superintendent in mending the 1st teebox. Immediately following, he has scheduled a flight to Hilton Head to tend to the bunker behind the 18th green at Harbour Town that was disgustingly left unkempt by Carlos Ortiz's caddy on Sunday. Hats off, Big Man.

LAST WEEK'S TOTAL: - Points. YEAR TO DATE TOTAL: - Points.

MY PICKS (@total_misread on instagram and twitter):

Abraham Ancer to finish Top 10 (+280) - Risking 

Joaquin Niemann to win "Group D" (+275) - Risking 

(Group D includes Matt Fitzpatrick, Sergio Garcia, Tony Finau & Marc Leishman)

Matchup parlay: 1. Paul Casey over Gary Woodland 2. Patrick Cantlay over Justin Rose (+230) - Risking 

LAST WEEK'S TOTAL: -10 Points. YEAR TO DATE TOTAL: -72 Points.

 Ball-striking travels. At least I'm hopeful that will be the case for Abe and Jaco,  whom both flushed it last week. As I mentioned earlier, Bryson was able to manage a top 10 in an off-week at Harbour Town. Expect the full arsenal to be on display (barring a return to poor TV coverage) in Cromwell this week. Casey and Cantlay both have solid resumes at TPC River Highlands and come in as fresh as can be this week. I think they best Woodland and Rosie who are now competing in their third straight week. Harman may have the ugliest putter in golf, but I'll take a chance on Tron's fellow southpaw at those inflated odds.

3. Scott Schaeffer (@total_misread) -72 points

That'll do it. If you're interested in a recap of each week's results, up-to-date standings of the NLU crew and other golf/gambling related content, I can be found on Instagram and Twitter @total_misread. Like the NLU guys, I'm not quite a sharp…just a golf addict enjoying that these picks create a concrete rooting interest for us each week.

As has been the case the last couple weeks, look for the Rocket Mortgage Classic gambling preview video to be released next Tuesday. I feel humbled that the guys are allowing me to collaborate and be a small part of their content with these written previews. 

NLU Odds Preview - Travelers Championship

We’re back after a November hiatus. My most sincere apologies!

The selection this month is a bit different from any I’ve made to date, but I believe it’s good and healthy to mix things up. So without further delay, the selection is “The Evolution of Golf Course Design,” by Keith Cutten.

It’s a beautiful behemoth of a book on, you guessed it, the evolution of golf course design. I had the pleasure of meeting Keith earlier this year at Cabot Links, a piece of property he knows intimately from his involvement in the building of Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs. In fact, over beers in the clubhouse one evening I, along with the whole NLU crew, was able to pick his brain about the profession and his philosophies. He sent us home with a copy of his book and I’ve wanted to feature it since, but I think December is the perfect month (more on that in a second).

This is where I need to be completely transparent and point out I am in no way a GCA (golf course architecture) buff. It’s an area that holds my curiosity, but I know less than any amount to be dangerous (my bona fides amount to a delightful reading of MacKenzie’s “Spirit of St. Andrews”). There are plenty of people far and wide in the golf universe that do an amazing job of discussing architecture (eg. Doak’s Golf Course Confidential, The Fried Egg and crew, etc etc). I do not pretend to be in that company. However, and this brings me to Keith’s book, what I love about it is the following:

: there are two distinct parts of the book: Part 1 is 200+ years of course design broken into decades. Part 2 is profiles on prominent golf course architects, authors, and visionaries.

: the book is over 350 pages but it’s format makes it easy to consume. Each section, each profile is distinctly marked and written. It can be a pejorative to call something a coffee-table book, but Keith’s book is something I would love to display on my coffee-table for the dual purpose of handy reading and referencing while I’m on the couch, watching golf for example.

: it’s a gorgeous, hard-bound book, replete with big, colorful images of courses and people. Again, the type of book that from a pure aesthetic standpoint, would look great on a table at home or the office.

With the holidays fast approaching, this book is an exceptional gift for yourself or golf-obsessed loved one. It’s the type of book you won’t consume in a few sittings, but instead tackle piece by piece over time, probably as you’re watching golf. Hopefully, too, you’ll slowly find your knowledge and appreciation for course design expanding!

Selection #18: December 2019

Twenty years ago this month the plane carrying Payne Stewart, along with business partners and colleagues, crashed into the fields of South Dakota. A shock to the golf world and beyond, the tragic death came just months after Stewart won the 1999 US Open. If you’re at all like me, I have only really known the Payne Stewart of 1999–the distinct wardrobe, the affable smile, the infamous made putt and celebration on the 18th green at Pinehurst. These are my enduring memories of the man.

With great anticipation I find this month’s selection, Kevin Robbins’ book, 

The Last Stand of Payne Stewart: The Year Golf Changed Forever

. His book chronicles Payne’s redemptive triumphs of 1999, juxtaposing those successes against the trials and tribulations leading up to that point. For me, it’s an avenue to learn so much more about a 3-time major champion, one of the game’s great characters, and a man who is so much deeper and more interesting than his wardrobe.

The back cover of the books reads as such:

Forever remembered as one of the most dramatic storylines in the history of golf, Payne Stewart’s legendary career was bookended by a dramatic comeback and a shocking, tragic end. Here, Robbins brings Stewart’s story vividly to life. Written off as a pompous showman past the prime of his career, Stewart emerged from a long slump in the unforgettable season of 1999 to capture the U.S. Open and play on the victorious U.S. Ryder Cup team. He appeared to be a new man that summer: wiser, deeper, and on the verge of a new level of greatness. Then his journey to redemption ended in October, when his chartered Learjet flew aimlessly for more than a thousand miles, ran out of fuel, and fell to earth in a prairie in South Dakota.His death marked the end of an era, one made up of “shotmakers” who played the game with artistry, guile, finesse, and heart. Behind them were Tiger Woods, David Duval, Phil Mickelson, and other young players whose power and strength changed the PGA Tour forever. With exclusive access to Stewart’s friends, family, and onetime colleagues, Kevin Robbins provides a long-overdue portrait of one of golf’s greats in one of golf’s greatest seasons.

This is a rare selection that I have not read yet, but as mentioned, am very excited to do so. Also, if you’d like to hear the author, Kevin Robbins, discuss the book and his writing process, check out Episode 42 of the TrapDraw podcast, available wherever you get your podcasts. Enjoy!

Selection #17: October 2019

This month’s pick is John Feinstein’s “Tales from Q School: Inside Golf’s Fifth Major.” Published over a decade ago, it’s a popular read in golf circles and one of numerous golf-themed books by the prolific Feinstein. The book is dated in the sense that Q School no longer feeds directly into the PGA Tour, but it’s a phenomenal read about truly pressure-packed, high stakes golf. Additionally, Q School is still alive and well as a feeder into the Korn Ferry Tour. As the 2018-19 golf season just concluded and there was heartbreak and elation in Evansville, IN at the Korn Ferry Finals, this book will help put into perspective what many of those guys face in the coming months. If you haven’t read this book yet, I recommend it and this this time of year is perfect to do so.

It is the tournament that separates champions from mortals. It is the starting point for the careers of future legends and can be the final stop on the down escalator for fading stars. The annual PGA Tour Qualifying Tournament is one of the most grueling competitions in any sport. Every fall, veterans and talented hopefuls sweat through six rounds of hell at Q school, as the tournament is universally known, to get a shot at the PGA Tour, vying for the 30 slots available. The grim reality: if you don’t make it through Q school, you’re not on the PGA tour. You’re out. And those who make it to the six day finals are the lucky ones: Hundreds more players fail to get through the equally grueling first two stages of the event. John Feinstein tells the story of the players who compete for these coveted positions in the 2005 Q school as only he can. With arresting accounts from the players, established winners, rising stars, the defeated and the endlessly hopeful, America’s favorite sportswriter unearths the inside story behind the PGA Tour’s brutal all-or-nothing competition.

Selection #16: September 2019

Here’s a selection of photos from the No Laying Up Summit (both the Thursday “Peak Party” and the main event on Friday). Big thanks to EJ for taking these!

NLU Summit Photos

Thanks for your interest. This event is sold out and the wait list is also full.

No Laying Up is excited to announce a bucket list listener trip we’ve put together for April 2020. Join the five of us in Scotland to play a few of the world’s most iconic courses, discover some low-key gems, and experience a variety of unique elements of St Andrews. This package includes eight rounds, six nights accommodations at the five star 

 (including Full Scottish Breakfast each morning overlooking the Road Hole), six lunches, four dinners, and scheduled airport/golf transfers. The trip will be limited to the first 31 people to put down deposit. We’re thrilled to be able to share this experience (including an elusive tee time on The Old Course) with like-minded enthusiasts!


AM arrival into Edinburgh Airport (air travel booked on own; plan to arrive before 9am local time)
Transfer to Crail
Lunch at Crail
Afternoon jetlag round on Crail’s Balcomie Course
Transfer to St Andrews (30 min)
Check-in to The Old Course Hotel (Eden Twins/Eden Singles)
Straight to the Dunvegan private room to watch final round of The Masters in prime-time



Morning round on Eden Course
Lunch as you finish at the Jigger Inn
Afternoon NLU Putting Championship on Himalayas
Back to hotel
Welcome cocktails and informal tournament briefing
Group dinner in the Conservatory


Morning round on Jubilee Course
Lunch in Links Clubhouse
Afternoon round on New Course
Free evening for dinner


Morning round on The Old Course
Lunch at Hams Hame (included)
Afternoon at leisure – walking tour/pub crawl of St Andrews
Formal dinner at The St Andrews Golf Club, overlooking 18th green & R&A (jacket & tie required)


Transfer to Carnoustie (45 min)
Morning round at Carnoustie Golf Links
Lunch in the Rookery
Afternoon round at Panmure Golf Club
Transfer back to St Andrews (45 min)
Free evening for dinner


Transfer to Elie (30 min)
Morning round at Elie
Lunch at Elie
Transfer to St Andrews (30 min)
Final dinner in the Conservatory


Transfer to Edinburgh Airport
Depart for home

£ 3680.00 GBP for twin occupancy Eden Parkland Rooms (no course view)

£ 4230.00 GBP for single occupancy Eden Parkland Rooms (no course view)

50% deposit at time of booking + remaining 50% due at least 70 days prior to group arrival. Pricing does not include flights or alcohol.

This trip is arranged through Connoisseur Golf. Please read the 

 Payment of your deposit confirms you have read and understood the terms and conditions. Keep in mind the opportunity to add additional rounds before/after at your discretion (either on own, or through Connoisseur).

NLU Invitational: Scotland / SOLD OUT

Folks, we’re going to try a slightly different approach this month. We’ll see how it goes…

“Every year I bury a couple hundred of my townspeople.” So opens the singular testimony of the Thomas Lynch. Like all poets, inspired by death, Lynch is, unlike others, also hired to serve the living by caring for the dead in a small Michigan town where he serves as the funeral director. In this wholly unique collection of essays, the two vocations meet as Lynch shows himself to be a competent functionary of mourning, a reliable witness to life’s mysteries, and a poet poignantly tuning language to the right tones of private release.

Now, some metaphor. Of course, the 2018-19 PGA Tour season will be put to rest this month. A champion will be crowned, life will move on, and we’ll get set to do it all again in 2019-20. To be clear, this book is *not* about golf, except to the parallels you wish to draw to your own game and experience. I will say, though, golf is mentioned in the book (as is Icarus, for all you 

 fans!). If you’re looking for a thought-provoking read, please give this a try.

Lastly, for additional background on the author, Thomas Lynch, the New York Times’ Dinitia Smith wrote this article in June of 2000: 

Matters of Life and Death; A Prizewinning Writer Holds Onto His Day Job as a Funeral Director.

Selection #15: August 2019

This month’s pick is a follow-up from May and my Trap Draw podcast conversation with Alan Shipnuck (Episode 30). It is Michael Murphy’s classic, 

. It has a tie-in this month with the British Open (even though it’s being played in Ireland at Royal Portrush).

When a young man en route to India stops in Scotland to play at the legendary Burningbush golf club and in twenty-four hours, his life is transformed. Paired with a mysterious teacher named Shivas Irons, he is led through a round of phenomenal golf, swept into a world where extraordinary powers are unleashed in a backswing governed by “true gravity.” A night of adventure and revelation follows, and leads to a glimpse of Seamus MacDuff, the holy man who haunts a ravine off Burningbush’s thirteenth fairway—the one they call Lucifer’s Rug.

A classic, originally published in 1972, this novel is a must read for all golf fans, especially those (like me) bemused by the philosophical and etherial elements of the game. I mentioned Alan Shipnuck and I discussed the book on a Trap Draw, and shortly following that conversation Alan 

published a piece about a day spent with Michael Murphy at the US Open.

Selection #14: July 2019

 to host The Summit at CommonGround Golf Course for the benefit of the CGA’s 

 This will be our first official NLU event, and all net proceeds will benefit the fantastic initiatives of the Solich Academy. Event details, registration link, and other pertinent info listed below:

The No Laying Up Summit at CommonGround – Friday, August 23, 2019

The No Laying Up Summit will be a 36-hole golf event at the Tom Doak-designed 

, which is home of the Colorado Golf Association and the Solich Caddie Academy. The playing field will be limited to the first 100 registrants (50 two-player teams will participate). The entry fee is $400/player; participants will enjoy the following benefits:

36 holes of golf in a two-person format.
– Morning shotgun will begin at 8:00 a.m. Format is a net best ball.
– Afternoon shotgun (following lunch) is Scotch foursomes (alternate shot) handicapped.

On-course contests, including closest to pin and long drive.

Additional Playing Information:
– Although walking is strongly encouraged, golf carts are included in the $400 per person entry fee for those who prefer to ride.
– Don’t have a partner? Singles who register will be paired to form teams.
– Active GHIN number required for handicap calculation (otherwise players will play at scratch).


– Men’s Holderness & Bourne Polo or Women’s Polo (equivalent brand)
– Custom Sleeve of Callaway Golf Balls
– Custom NLU Golf Towel
– More tee gifts to be added

All players will enjoy breakfast and lunch, beer and non-alcoholic beverages on-course.

Post-afternoon round cocktails and awards

Complimentary admission ticket to The Peak Party on Thursday, August 22nd at CommonGround from 5:30-9:30pm (details below)

Participants have priority access to purchase one additional Peak Party ticket ($50) during registration.

Play on the par 3 course at CommonGround from 4:00-6:00 pm on Thursday, August 22nd.

The Peak Party – Thursday, August 22, 2019

The Peak Party will be also be at CommonGround Golf Course. Admission is limited to 250 people, age 21 and over. All guests not playing in the Summit golf event must purchase tickets ($50) in advance. Highlights include:

Live podcast by No Laying Up, meet and greet.

Exclusive No Laying Up Summit merchandise sales.

Two drink tickets (additional tickets available for purchase onsite).

Golf contests (Note: all clubs will be supplied onsite; please do not bring your own).

 for Thursday and Friday nights for $179/night plus tax. The hotel is approximately 18 minutes from the golf course and in a vibrant area with plenty of nightlife. 

Registration will be Monday, July 1st at 12:00pm Eastern Time. Here are the links:

Registration for Thursday night party only

.The NLU Summit at CommonGround team is available to answer any questions that you might have, and will do our best to make sure all issues are resolved in a meaningful way.

The NLU Summit

This month is exciting for me because I’m going to read a book I haven’t read before, by an author whose name I know quite well but whose work I do not. The pick is Herbert Warren Wind’s 

The Story of American Golf: Its Champions and Its Championships

. Released in 1975, it chronicles the roots of golf in America all the way up through the time of publishing. Wind is a name I have grown to know but is a real blind spot for me. I look forward to going about changing that a bit.

The description of the book is as follows:

Here, in words & pictures, the whole story of American golf unfolds, from the inspiration of the Scottish game for the exclusive entertainment of millionaires in Newport, Tuxedo Park, & on Long Island & the golf madness that swept Chicago in 1895, down to the present day [1975]. From the triumphs of Walter Travis & Jerome Travers to the glorious 1975 Masters, here are the developments of the sport, the idiosyncrasies of the players, the courses, the tournaments, the club life, the historical & sociological insights, the drama & humor of golf.

Selection #13: June 2019

It’s that time again! You may be absorbed in the PGA Championship this weekend but I’d argue it’s absolutely not the most fun tournament being contested. That distinction goes to NCAA Division-I Women’s Golf championship, which kicks off Friday, May 17th. While television coverage won’t come until Monday, May 20th, you can follow along with the action thanks to 

. I said the exact same thing last year but it bears repeating—the women’s championship is the opening act of a two-part drama (the men begin their championship the week after the women) which is genuinely one of my favorite stretches within the golf calendar each and every year. It’s a perfect recipe of individual stroke play, passion-filled, team-based match play, and life-altering, yet wholly-intrinsic stakes. I urge you to check it out.

Friday, May 17th, through Wednesday, May 22rd, at Blessings Golf Club in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Blessings celebrates its 15thyear of existence by playing host to the 2019 NCAA Championships. The home course of the Arkansas Razorbacks, it’s a Robert Trent Jones, Jr. design touched up more recently by Kyle Phillips. The private course was the brainchild of Tyson Foods chairman, John H. Tyson (if you want to enjoy some chicken nuggets while watching coverage be sure to also check out some of the warm, fuzzy press around Tyson’s practices. Yum!) Anyway, the course is par 72 (37-35) that can be stretched out to a comfy 7,900+ yards with a 79.1 rating and 153 slope. Exactly my type of track!

Two NCAA national championships will be awarded: one for the team champion and one for the individual champion.

The team format consists of 72 holes of stroke play to whittle the field from twenty-four programs to eight. The eight best teams are seeded 1 through 8 and square off in match play involving five duels. The team tournament from the quarterfinals through the finals is single elimination with individual matches consisting of 18 holes.

The individual format consists of the aforementioned 72 holes of stroke play. The low competitor from the competing twenty-four programs, plus an additional twelve individual qualifiers, is crowned the individual NCAA national champion.

: 4:00pm to 8:00pm EST (Final round of stroke play–individual champion crowned, plus match-play brackets finalized)

: 11:00am to 1:30pm EST (Team Quarterfinal Matches) AND 4:00pm to 8:00pm EST (Team Semifinal Matches)

: 4:00pm to 8:00pm (Team National Championship Matches)

As always, I couldn’t possibly tell you where to place your allegiance. Like last year, though, I’ve broken the field out in my own way which I hope will serve to help inform a rooting interest should you be searching (number in parenthesis next to each team is their 

There have been 36 NCAA D-I Women’s Golf Team national championships awarded throughout history. The following schools have won a combined 23 of them:

 –the Trojans have three team titles in their history. This year’s squad is led by sophomore Jennifer Chang, 3rd-ranked nationally. They’re young and deep, five players within the top-29, all sophomores or freshmen.

 –highest ranked player is sophomore Jaravee Boonchant (4th). Squad also features senior Virginia Elana-Carta, NCAA champion four years ago as a freshman, who comes in ranked 50th.

 –last year’s team champs will look to run it back with a very experienced squad. Haley Moore, who clinched the winning point last year on the 19th hole, is back. 

I urge you to read this piece on her by Golf Channel’s Ryan Lavner.

 –have won 8 team titles, most in NCAA history. This year’s team is led by junior Olivia Mehaffey, ranked 7th nationally.

 –led by sophomore Patty Tavatanakit who comes in ranked 8th this year and was low amateur at the 2018 US Women’s Open.

These programs have a team title to their name, all in this decade. Another title would catapult them up a level:

won their sole team title in 2010; highest ranked player is senior Melati Putri (91st). Will be a tall feat to make the knockout stage.

Andrea Lee, ranked 2nd nationally, leads the Cardinal. They captured the team title in 2015.

won the team title in 2016; an experienced group which is fronted by their youngest member, Rino Sasaki, ranked 60th nationally.

Between 1985 and 1992 these two programs won a combined 5 team titles, none since, however. They’d obviously love to change that:

 –great depth on this Gators team with five players ranked between 41st (Sierra Brooks) and 94th (Addison Baggarly). My opinion is completely uninformed but I look for them to make serious noise.

 –led by the dynamic duo of freshman Natasha Andrea Oon (31st ranked) and senior Abegail Arevalo (36th ranked). No other Spartans rank in the top-250. Can the rest of the squad step up?

Deep in the heart of SEC country in Fayetteville there are four tried-and-true SEC programs to pick from. Each is seeking their first team title:

–host squad should be at an advantage. 5th-ranked Maria Fassi leads the group.

 –10th-ranked Julie McCarthy leads War Eagle.

 –Julia Johnson, ranked 57th, leads Ole Miss. They have an uphill climb facing them this week.

 –95th-ranked Micheala Williams leads the Lady Vols. Like Ole Miss, I don’t foresee a long week but of course I could be wrong!

These schools have ALL THE MONEY so you shouldn’t casually root for either of them, unless you enjoy playing the Don’t Pass line at the craps table:

–led by top-ranked freshman, Frida Kinhult. She is super decorated and if that last name sounds familiar, her brother, Marcus, just won the British Masters on the Euro Tour. Excited to see her play!

–Agathe Laisne (11th) and Kaitlyn Papp (12th) lead the Longhorns, and they’re peaking at the right time. Are seeking the program’s first team title.

Great schools, so I’m told, zero team titles to their name:

 –this is a deep team capable of winning their first title. They’re led by Jennifer Kupcho, who among other things won the 2018 individual NCAA title as well as the inaugural Augusta National Women’s Amateur earlier this year.

 –does Vandy like being separated from the rest of the SEC? I don’t know, but it feels right. Auston Kim (37th) and Abbey Carlson (40th) offer a solid one-two punch.

 –Stephanie Lau (35th) and Brooke Riley (47th) lead this iteration of the Wildcats. They were runners-up in 2017.

 –no school has ever pulled off the men’s basketball/women’s golf double in the same year! That’s a completely arbitrary nugget I like with UVA having the opportunity this year. 39th-ranked senior, Anna Redding, leads the Cavs.

 –competing in the NCAA championships for the first time since 2007, the Hoosiers have battled back from a February swoon. Senior Erin Harper (137th) is the highest-ranked individual for IU. A berth in the knockout bracket would be a huge success.

Ranking-wise, Kent State is *not* an underdog, which makes their resource disadvantage more interesting:

 –The Flashes are experienced and looking to make serious noise this week. Led by Karoline Stormo (34th), Kent State will look to make the quarterfinals after just missing last year. As a Mid-American Conference honk I will always pull for Kent State.

 –freshman Elizabeth Moon (83rd) leads the squad. By virtue of being non-Power 5 I hope UCF makes a run this week.

–I couldn’t find a good spot for the Illini so here they are! This is their first NCAA championships, so anything past qualifying for knockouts would be a huge bonus.

As noted earlier, the field for the individual national championship consists of all the members of the twenty-four qualifying teams, along with twelve additional individual qualifiers. Those twelve qualifiers, with 

 –freshman has burst onto the scene this year. Ranks 5thin scoring average. Won the 2017 North & South Championship, finished second in 2018.

 –sophomore, native Oregonian set the school scoring average mark this year while ranking 10th nationally. Fun fact from her bio– she won every single league tournament in high school as a sophomore, junior and senior. Bet there were some coaches glad to see her graduate.

 –the pride of Norman, Oklahoma is 16th in scoring average nationally, having improved 2.5 strokes from her freshman year.

 –sophomore from Italy is currently 86thin scoring average. She captured the bronze medal at last summer’s European Ladies’ Amateur Championship, and we also share an October 10th birthday!

 –senior is peaking at the right time. Truthfully, I couldn’t find much else so apologies, Kathleen.

 –junior Michigan native is 59th in scoring average. A former Big10 Freshman of the Year, she has competed via sponsors exemption in the Meijer LPGA Classic on multiple occasions.

 –the redshirt senior from South Africa ranks 12th in scoring average and is back as an individual qualifier after doing so as a freshman in 2015.

 –sophomore from Thailand is 46th in scoring average. That $2 will get you a coffee tomorrow morning.

 –the Dane is 55th in scoring average across D1. She’s a senior so this is it.

 –junior from Arizona attended Xavier College Prep in Phoenix, which might have contractually obligated her to attend Xavier University (that’s a joke). All-Big East performer is a bit of a darkhorse nationally. No doubt my brother-in-law and the Maketewah faithful will be cheering her on from Cincinnati.

Amanda Hollandsworth, Virginia Tech (182nd)

 –cool tidbit here, the Virginia native was the first ever commit to the Va Tech women’s golf program back in 2013. A graduate student, she is also the first woman from the Hokie’s program to qualify for the US Open which she’ll compete in later this month.

 –a bit of a surprise qualifier perhaps as she’s not ranked in the top-250, but she was a very-highly touted freshman (3rd in 2018 class per Golfweek). Beware the streaky golfer!

-Used this tidbit last year but it holds–there’s never been a two-time NCAA individual champion. Jennifer Kupcho can change that this year, but so can Virginia Elena Carter! Something to keep an eye on.

-South Carolina is the highest ranked team (12th) to not make the championships. Similarly, Jiwon Jeon, ranked 9th for Alabama, the best player not competing this week.

-Since changing formats in 2015, the Pac-12 has won all four team titles, passing it around the league. If the trend holds look for one of the So Cal schools to win it.

-Very cool incentive starting this year as the 

individual champion will receive an exemption

 into the LPGA’s #NWAChampionship (that’s really the tourney name, I think) later this June in Rogers, Arkansas.

-San Jose State enters the week with all kinds of good karma as 

reports breaks that their athletic department has allegedly mishandled over $6 million in funds which were intended to fund athletic scholarships.

 This is the type of story I live for, and I hope the top gets blown off! Stay tuned, and as always, athletic administrators (and definitely revenue sport coaches) salaries are bloated, and athletes should be able to market their names and likenesses. And it’s all at the feet of the NCAA.

-Speaking of the NCAA, Melissa Luellen, head coach at Auburn, has her Tigers in this year’s championship. Last year I passed along the nuggets about the vacated 1988 women’s championship (team and individual titles). If you missed it, 

Jacob Bogage of the Chicago Tribune, details why Tulsa’s championships were revoked by the NCAA

. Apparently, though, the rules infractions didn’t have anything to do with the women’s golf team; instead, the NCAA vacated wins across the athletic department “after track and field coaches let athletes run under assumed names to bolster roster size.” Melissa Luellen won the individual title that year and still has the ring as nobody ever asked for it back. Tulsa still displays the championship banner and notes the titles in their media guides too. Hooray for the NCAA and I’m rooting for Luellen and her squad.

-In case you were curious about the volunteer setup, for $45 you too could volunteer. The details of what you receive are 

. On paper, begrudgingly, I understand it’s a ‘good’ deal. But I also am categorically opposed to having volunteers pay money on top of their unpaid labor, flimsy reasons be damned!

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