The 8 Best Golf Colleges in History

In many sports, the path to greatness takes athletes through several levels of play, transcending from the amateur ranks to the pros. While college golf doesn’t get the same attention as other sports, it remains one of the most viable paths for linksmen aiming for the PGA Tour.

Like the University of Alabama with football or the University of North Carolina in basketball, some Division I college golf programs seem to have a knack for attracting and cultivating student-athletes, turning them into golfing machines. Let’s take a look at some of the best golf colleges, their famous alumni, and what propels them to greatness.

The 8 Best Golf Colleges

From coast to coast, golf has become more popular than ever, partially thanks to a strong interest in golf at the collegiate level. From team championships to individual glory, here's a glance at the best golf colleges in history.

1. Stanford University

Men’s NCAA Championships: 8

Women’s NCAA Championships: 3

You can’t mention a men’s golf team without Stanford slipping into the conversation. One of the best colleges for academia also happens to be one of the best golf colleges, hinging notably — but not entirely — on one player: Tiger Woods.

In 1995, Stanford offered Woods an athletic scholarship, which, in hindsight, seems like a no-brainer. Woods went on to win Pac-10 Player of the Year, NCAA First Team All-American, and Stanford's Male Freshman of the Year honors, staying through 1996 until he turned pro.

But Woods isn’t the only linksman with Stanford ties. PGA Tour pros Tom Watson and Lawson Little both went on to win majors as members of the PGA Tour.

It’s worth mentioning that the Stanford women’s team has grown into a powerhouse — possibly the best in the entire state of California. Future golf superstar Rose Zhang is already drawing comparisons to some of the best female golfers of all time, and three recent NCAA championships are turning heads in the college ranks.

2. University of Georgia

Men’s NCAA Championships: 2

University of Georgia men’s golf coach Chris Haack has it working over in Athens. Arguably one of the best golf colleges, the University of Georgia currently has 10 players on the PGA Tour — the most of any other NCAA school.

Call it something in the water, Haack’s guidance, or both, but Georgia has two national championships, eight SEC titles, and 67 NCAA Tournament wins. Oh, and Bubba Watson on your alumni list doesn’t hurt, either.

3. Arizona State University

Men’s NCAA Championships: 2

Women’s NCAA Championships: 8

With beautiful weather and some of the best golf courses on the collegiate circuit, Arizona State has a rightful place among the best golf colleges for both men's and women’s golf. The most popular alumnus is certainly southpaw Phil Mickelson — arguably the best golfer of his generation not named Tiger Woods.

The women’s team is also one of the top programs, earning a record eight championships between 1990 and 2017, courtesy of coach Linda Vollstedt, who masterminded a winning program starting in the late 80s.

4. UCLA

Men’s NCAA Championships: 2

Women’s NCAA Championships: 3

Both the men and women at UCLA know a few things about putting the ball in the hole. With five collective championships, the Bruins have built a winning program in Los Angeles — oftentimes to the dismay of their University of Southern California rivals.

The school currently has nine players on the LPGA, along with an impressive list of current and former PGA golfers, including Duffy Waldorf, Scott McCarron, and Corey Pavin — the winner of 15 PGA Tour events, including the 1995 U.S. Open.

5. Oklahoma State University

Men’s NCAA Championships: 11

You can’t talk about the best golf colleges in the country without mentioning Oklahoma State. Aside from a hiccup in 2012, the Cowboys have qualified for the NCAA Tournament in 72 of the last 73 years and have at least one championship in each of the last six decades.

The undisputed king cowboy of them all is Rickie Fowler, although Hunter Mahan, Scott Verplank, and Bo Van Pelt have all carved successful careers on the PGA Tour.

6. University of Florida

Men’s NCAA Championships: 5

Women’s NCAA Championships: 2

The Gators seem to dominate every collegiate sport, and golf is no different. Outpacing their in-state rivals at Florida State, the Florida men’s program has brought home five championships, 16 conference championships, 16 individual conference titles, and three individual national champs. The women’s team has been almost equally as impressive, touting two national championships when the team dominated in the mid and late 1980s.

If that’s not enough street cred, the University of Florida also has had over 30 players on the tour, including Billy Horschel, Mark Calcavecchia, and Chris DiMarco.

7. University of Texas

Men’s NCAA Championships: 4

Few NCAA Tournaments have been played without the Longhorns on the leaderboard. With 69 appearances, four championships, and six second-place finishes, Texas is one of the best golf colleges of all time.

While Texas was arguably the best team in the 1970s, the team’s resurgence could be attributed to Jordan Spieth, who has gone on to an extraordinary PGA career. Tom Kite, Justin Leonard, and Ben Crenshaw also swung clubs for the Longhorns before embarking on successful professional careers.

8. Wake Forest University

Men’s NCAA Championships: 3

Women’s NCAA Championships: 1

With a name like the Demon Deacons, you have to back up your game. The Wake Forest men’s and women’s golf teams have done just that, taking home four championships courtesy of some big names in golf.

Arnold Palmer is top of mind when you think about Wake Forest golf, but Webb Simpson, Jay Haas, Lanny Wadkins, and Curtis Strange are some top players who’ve had a great amount of success after their collegiate careers.

The Best Golf Colleges Without a Championship

Winning an NCAA D1 Championship is no easy feat. The team isn’t necessarily laden with future PGA Tour pros. Getting the most out of your players is something that every coach has to do, and even with proper coaching, a title remains elusive.

Though these teams aren’t among the best golf colleges in terms of championships, they still deserve a place on the list.

1. Georgia Tech University

With 19 conference championships, including nine since 2000, Georgia Tech is one of the more consistent teams in the country. Voted the best golf college in the nation in 2005 by Golf Magazine, the Yellow Jackets have a knack for hitting the big shots and molding golfers into future professionals. David Duval and Stewart Cink will attest to that.

But perhaps the most well-known alumnus is Bobby Jones, who is one of only six golfers to win a Grand Slam (all four majors) — and the only golfer to win all four in the same year (1930).

2. University of Illinois

The University of Illinois has been the class of the Big Ten for nearly two decades, winning 14 of the last 16 conference championships and 20 in total. Though they haven’t found that elusive national championship, they finished runner-up in 2013.

With 21 All-Americans and eight future PGA Tour pros — including Steve Stricker — the Fighting Illini are always in the game.

3. University of Tennessee

Since 1934, the University of Tennessee has been a force in men’s golf. The past 90 years have brought three SEC titles, 27 qualifying regionals, and 17 NCAA Tournament appearances. The roster has also had 20 All-Americans and 14 tour pros, a resounding statement about the quality of the school’s golf team.

The 3 Best Golf Schools

Though college golf provides the tools and competition to turn pro, it’s not the only avenue for golfers to gain the knowledge needed to succeed. Golf schools are becoming more popular for high school and college-age athletes as an alternative to NCAA Division 1 sports. With more time to focus on the game and no coursework in the classroom, these golf schools are almost every bit as good as the best golf colleges.

1. Mel Sole Golf School

If you dream of breaking 90, some extra help on the course could go a long way. That’s just what you’ll get at the Mel Sole Golf School near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Geared toward golfers of all ages, the school has affordable three-day packages, onsite lodging, and a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course.

2. Arnold Palmer Golf Academy

For a week, you can rub elbows with pros and top-notch coaches at the Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando. It’s not a cheap school — often costing between $1,000 and $2,000 for multi-day sessions, but you’ll get the best instruction possible from players who’ve made a living on ripping drives and sinking putts. At the end of your session, you have the tools to become a better player, along with an Arnold Palmer-written guidebook.

3. Kip Puterbaugh's Aviara Golf Academy

If you’re out on the West Coast, the best golf school for the money is almost certainly the Aviara Golf Academy. Located near San Diego, this school’s curriculum includes golf swings, physical fitness, and course management and strategy. And with 70 weekday and weekend sessions available, you’re likely to find an opening compared to more crowded schools.

Who Will Become the Best Golf College Next?

The college ranks ebb and flow as players come and go, opening the door for the next great powerhouse in collegiate golf. No one’s quite sure who the next great team or player will be, but it sure creates some intrigue. We’ll keep watching.