Excessive rain forces venue change for Auburn-hosted regional

The NCAA golf postseason begins with regional championships, and those are still two months away. Despite that timeframe, one of the four host courses for women’s regionals has been subbed out of the lineup.

According to a report by Golfweek, the Auburn University Club in Auburn, Ala., has experienced so much rain over the past few months that the venue can no longer host the 54-hole event from May 6-8. That said, Auburn will retain its hosting duties as it moves the event to Saugahatchee Country Club in Opelika, Ala., roughly seven miles away.

The change has been approved by the NCAA Division I Women’s Golf Committee, according to Golfweek reporting.

The three other sites for women’s Division I regionals include Washington in Cle Elum (Tumble Creek Golf Club), Oklahoma in Norman (Jimmie Austin OU Golf Club) and Michigan State in East Lansing (Forest Akers West Golf Course).

The Auburn University Club also annually hosts the Evans Derby Experience, and though the tournament will still take place later this month (March 23-25), it will also be played at Saugahatchee Country Club.

"This has been a difficult decision to change the golf course," Auburn head coach Melissa Luellen said in a release. "Auburn University Club is our home, and our student-athletes absolutely love playing their championship golf course. However, massive amounts of rainfall have created many challenges and adversely affected the conditions needed for tournament play. We look forward to returning to the Auburn University Club for our future events."

Information from Auburn Athletics used in this report