Tag: Las Vegas golf

Rankings, new scoring website and more takeaways from the annual college golf coaches convention

Rankings were the big topic of the week.

LAS VEGAS — College golf coaches from across the country were in Las Vegas this week for the Golf Coaches Association of America and Women’s Golf Coaches Association annual convention at Planet Hollywood.

And there was no shortage of discussion points. The main topic? The new ranking system in college golf, which has caused drama, chaos and discombobulation throughout the fall.

Mark Broadie, who is in charge of the rankings, was in attendance and held two sessions to discuss the new rankings and take questions from coaches to clarify how they work. In addition, there were other breakout sessions and news announced.

Here are the big takeaways from the 2023 college golf coaches convention in Las Vegas.

Al Besselink, who won the first Tournament of Champions in 1953, might be the most interesting golfer you’ve never heard of

The Tournament of Champions dates back to 1953, when it was first played in Las Vegas.

The Sentry Tournament of Champions, the first PGA Tour event of 2023, celebrates its 25th season at Kapalua this week.

The tournament dates back to 1953, however, when it was first played in Las Vegas. It was held at the Desert Inn and the field consisted of 20 golfers, all winners from the previous year.

The winner’s check in 2023 will be $2,700,000 (out of an elevated-event purse of $15 million) but 71 years ago, Al Besselink, winner of the first Tournament of Champions, barely earned five figures.

How he was paid—and what he did with some of the money—are just some of the many interesting things about him.