By Tony L. Starks
The 2025 NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Golf Championships return to Omni La Costa Resort in Carlsbad, California, next month for the second year of a five-year commitment. The goal? To establish La Costa as the permanent home for college golf’s biggest stage.
At the heart of this effort is PGA of America Golf Professional John Fields, Head Coach of the University of Texas Longhorns men’s golf team. Fields helped create the College World Golf Championships Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to ensuring the event’s long-term success. With support from the NCAA and Golf Channel, the vision continues to take shape.
PGA Magazine caught up with Coach Fields ahead of the championships – May 16-21 for the women and May 23-28 for the men – to talk about the tournament’s evolution.
What did you learn from year No. 1 in 2024, and how has the foundation grown?
Coach John Fields: I’ve been a PGA of America Member for nearly 39 years and a college coach for 38, and I saw an opportunity to elevate this championship. We modeled our foundation after baseball’s College World Series Foundation in Omaha, ensuring financial stability and a premier experience. The NCAA and Golf Channel are supportive of this vision, and after a successful first year, the NCAA extended our agreement through 2028.
We received our 501(c)(3) status just before last year’s championship, so we’ve made significant strides since then. We have formed a board of 10 dedicated individuals, and so far our growth has been driven by the support of private donors. We’re rallying resources from all angles to elevate college golf as a whole, building a foundation where corporate sponsors recognize the value of being involved and contributing to its long-term success.
How have PGA of America Professionals contributed to the success of the NCAA Championships?
Fields: PGA Professionals are passionate about growing the game, and their involvement has been instrumental. Dustin Irwin, PGA, Club Director at La Costa, and his team have been incredible partners. Their commitment has made Texas hosting an event in San Diego feel seamless.
We also want PGA Professionals nationwide to feel connected – whether they watch on Golf Channel or attend as spectators, volunteers or coaches. We also want their juniors to aspire to compete here, just like young golfers dream of playing in the Masters.
How did La Costa play in the first year?
Fields: If Gil Hanse is an artist, he painted a masterpiece. Omni La Costa’s North Course was named the No. 1 resort course renovation of 2024 by Sports Illustrated, and it delivered a true championship test. Par was a great score, and the setup identified the best teams – Auburn for the men and Stanford for the women.
Beyond the course itself, La Costa’s all-in-one setting enhances the player experience. Teams stay on-site, with meals, lodging and practice facilities within walking distance. That consistency keeps players focused and fully immersed in the championship.
How are you elevating the prestige of the championship?
Fields: One way is by elevating the Fred Haskins and Annika awards, which recognize the nation’s top collegiate golfers – both men and women. Last year, we hosted the nominee receptions at Grand Blanc Maison, a $13 million estate near the course, adding to the prestige. We’re bringing those receptions back again in 2025.
We’re also reconnecting with former players by building a tradition where past, present and future generations of college golfers come together. La Costa is becoming the home of college golf, and we want alumni to be part of that legacy.
How do you see the NCAA Division I Golf Championships at Omni La Costa Resort fitting into golf’s broader landscape?
Fields: We want this to be golf’s 10th and 11th majors (in addition to four professional men’s majors and five for the women). When players arrive, they should feel like they’re stepping onto Augusta National. If they turn professional, great – but even if they don’t, this experience should be a defining moment in their careers.
In my mind, college golf is the center of the sun in the golfing world. It’s more than just a competitive stage – it’s the core of a larger ecosystem that shapes the future of the sport and its impact on society. From this center, rays go outward, influencing youth sports, junior golf, professional tours, industry leaders, philanthropists and community builders. College golf is where character, leadership and lifelong contributions to the game take shape – and we’re proud to help lead that effort.
