Colorado Christian University, the reigning Division II National Champions, have picked up right where they left off. This Fall, they’ve been nothing short of spectacular, winning all five tournaments they competed in—a perfect 5-for-5 record. Coach Mark Hull’s team is staying perfectly in rhythm.

The scoring numbers tell the story of their dominance. The Cougars lead the country with 12 team rounds under par, more than any other program, and their depth is unmatched, producing a staggering 40 individual rounds of under-par scores this Fall.

With such an impressive resume, it’s no surprise they sit atop the National Collegiate Golf Rankings as the #1 team in the nation—a spot they’ve earned through consistency, depth, and raw talent.

Two teams tied for second in team rounds under par, with 10 rounds each: University of North Georgia (below) and Colorado Mesa University. North Georgia, ranked second and last year’s National Championship runner-up, have built on their strong foundation, while Colorado Mesa, currently ranked 16th, are proving they belong in the conversation with the best.

The depth of these teams is evident in their individual performances, too. North Georgia produced 38 under-par rounds this Fall, second only to Colorado Christian, while Colorado Mesa added 32 under-par rounds. These numbers highlight just how competitive these programs are and how capable they are of putting together strong team performances.

One metric I always keep an eye on is bogey percentage, and it’s no surprise that Colorado Christian leads the nation here as well, with a remarkable 13.05% bogey rate. This low number is partly thanks to their aggressive play, racking up birdies and eagles on scorable courses. Their ability to go low and keep mistakes to a minimum has been key to their success.

However, the story gets even more interesting when we look beyond Colorado Christian. A handful of teams with slightly higher bogey percentages in the 15–17% range have also impressed, including Lee University (ranked 8th), Lincoln Memorial University (ranked 7th), University of West Florida (ranked 5th), California State University, East Bay (ranked 9th), and Oklahoma Christian University (below, ranked 3rd).

Among this group, one team stands out for its ability to avoid bigger mistakes: University of West Florida. The Argonauts boast the lowest double-or-worse percentage in the country at just 2.01%. Combining their bogey and double-or-worse percentages, West Florida emerges as a team that knows how to stay in contention by minimizing errors. This discipline will undoubtedly serve them well as both the pressure and conditions get tougher during the post season.

As we look ahead to the Spring season, three teams stand out to me based on their numbers, accomplishments, and potential:

1. Colorado Christian: Dominance across the board

It’s impossible to ignore Colorado Christian, and for good reason. The reigning National Champions have carried their momentum into this Fall with dominance. Mark Hull’s team has an incredible ability to go low.

While the PGA National venue in Florida may present a different set of challenges, the Cougars proved last year that they can adapt and excel in a Florida-environment. Their stats, reigning champion status, and current form make them the clear frontrunner heading into the Spring.

2. University of West Florida: Avoid mistakes, stay in contention

West Florida stand out for their ability to avoid mistakes, which is a factor I love to look at heading into Championship season. They lead the nation in the lowest double-or-worse percentage at just 2.01%, showcasing remarkable discipline. Combine that with a solid bogey percentage in the 15–17% range, and the Argonauts have a recipe for staying competitive on tough courses.

While minimizing mistakes is their hallmark, the location of this year’s National Championship could play into their favor. Being held at PGA National Resort in Florida, the Argonauts will likely feel at home on the Bermuda grass and in the heat, even though it’s still an eight-plus-hour drive from their campus in Pensacola. 

Coach Steve Fell’s mix of Southeast talent and Swedish players has created a team capable of handling diverse conditions, and their combination of discipline and familiarity with the region makes them a team to watch closely.

3. University of North Georgia: Building on last year’s momentum

Coach Bryson Worley’s University of North Georgia squad enters the Spring as the #2-ranked team in the rankings and last year’s National Championship runners-up. Their numbers this Fall further cement their position as a serious contender. They’re ability to go low is evident with the 38 under-par rounds they’ve posted so far this year.

What sets the Nighthawks apart for me is their regional familiarity and their hunger. The National Runner-up from last year must be fueling them in a great way. Further, the roster features players mainly from Georgia and Florida. Their mix of local comfort and proven ability to perform at the National Championship make them a stand-out team for me.

As the season heads toward the Spring and the National Championship at PGA National, these three teams — Colorado Christian, University of West Florida, and University of North Georgia — stand out for their unique strengths and standout performances. Whether it’s Colorado Christian’s dominance, West Florida’s mistake-free golf, or North Georgia’s blend of hunger and local talent, each team has the potential to make waves. The stage is set for an exciting conclusion to the season!

Sign up for Mikkel’s Substack newsletter