Edmond Life and Leisure - May 9, 2024

The beautifully remodeled Kickingbird Golf Course is hosting a college golf tournament this week.

Public play closed during event

K-Bird hosting college golf tourney

KickingBird Golf has been selected as a host site for the 2024 NCAA Division II men’s golf Central/Midwest Regional tournament, meaning all golf facilities at the City of Edmond public course will be closed to the public now through May 11.

The Lookout restaurant will be the only facility open to the public during practice rounds and tournament play. The restaurant is open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

This is the first time KickingBird Golf has hosted the Division II regional tournament.

“We are very excited to host this Super Regional featuring the Top 20 teams in Division II golf from the Central and Midwest regions,” said Brian Soerensen, Director of Golf.

“We are anxious to see how the new course will play for this group of talented college golfers. We have added more than 200 yards in length to our Championship tees and we will see what type of challenge the greens and the surrounds give to the players. We are excited for the teams to experience our other amenities as well, and hope to provide the players, coaches and spectators with an exceptional experience.”

Tournament play begins May 9 at 7:30 p.m. KickingBird will be the site for the 20 teams and eight individual qualifiers competing for a spot in the regional finals.

The teams competing from the Central Region are Central Oklahoma, Henderson State, Missouri Southern State, Harding, Southern Arkansas, Rogers State, Central Missouri, Winona State, Minnesota State Mankato and Northeastern State. The four individuals competing are Dalton McGinnis (Southeastern Oklahoma State), Jeffrey Johnston (Missouri Western), Jackson Cole (Arkansas Tech) and Brandon Sperling (Concordia- St. Paul).

Teams competing from the Midwest Region are Grand Valley State, Indianapolis, Missouri S&T, Ferris State, Wayne State, Findlay, Tiffin, Missouri-St. Louis, McKendree and Davenport. The four individuals competing are Bryson Oots (Wiliam Jewell), Gunnar McCollins (Malone), Kyle Buzaki (Walsh) and Evan Johnson (Northwood).

“We are excited to welcome golfers and their supporters and invite them to enjoy Edmond before and after the tournament,” said Jennifer Thornton, Tourism Director for Visit Edmond. “This is the best tourism for our city – celebrating big wins at local businesses.”

The top five teams and the top two student-athletes not with a team from each regional will advance to the NCAA finals, May 2125 at the Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge in Winter Garden, Florida. The finals will be hosted by Rollins College and the Greater Orlando Sports Commission.