Dataw Island will again host the Division I Colonial Athletic Association Men’s Golf Championship April 23-25, with the College of Charleston Cougars fighting to defend their two-year-running Championship title. The Cougars have won six of the last eight conference titles, with a back-to-back in the two Championships played at Dataw. Charleston previously won four straight championships from 2014-17 with the first three at the Clubs at St. James in North Carolina and the 2017 title earned at Salisbury.

“The players and coaches are once again enthusiastic about traveling to Beaufort, SC, to compete at one of the state’s Top 50-rated courses,” said CAA Commissioner Joe D’Antonio. “The student-athletes have really enjoyed playing at Dataw Island the past few years and are grateful for the opportunity to return as they complete their seasons at the Conference’s championship and potentially earn their way to the NCAA championship.”

The Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) consists of the College of Charleston, Delaware, Drexel, Elon, Hofstra, James Madison, Towson, University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW), and William & Mary. Teams of five will compete in this conference championship for a chance to advance to the NCAA Division I Men’s Golf Championship.

Dataw Island is a private gated community that has helped nurture the game of golf through its longstanding traditions of hosting an annual college golf tournament and offering its course to the local Beaufort High School Golf Team. In fact, the Beaufort High School Golf Team will be onsite as well, volunteering to assist with the college tournament.

“Giving back and supporting these young athletes is something that our membership and staff truly enjoy,” says Chris Fearn, Dataw Island’s Director of Golf.

And, give back they do! The members of Dataw Island will again host several of the college teams in their private homes, and regularly support local high school sports as well.

“We have had students stay with us every year possible, and we have always enjoyed them,” says Dataw member Barbara Albon. “We even got to meet some of their parents, and were invited to visit them over the summer! It’s such a pleasure to host these young athletes.”

The CAA Men’s Championship consist of 10 teams of 5 players competing for 54 holes of stroke play on Cotton Dike. The scoring for the event is the total of the 4 lowest scores for each team per day. Charleston returns this year as the defending champions of the last two tournaments hosted at Dataw. This year’s talented field promises to deliver lots of great competition.

“The courses are in great condition and the field looks really talented, which should make for an excellent three days of competition,” Fearn says.

Practice rounds will be help on Saturday, with competition taking place Sunday – Tuesday. Spectators are welcome; please check in at the Security Gate House as you enter the island.
2023 Schedule of Events

Saturday, April 22nd – Practice round for all teams playing together.
Practice Facilities will be closed for the players from 9am to 1pm.  Back range tees will be closed for safety due to players being able to reach with driver.

Sunday, April 23rd – Round 1 (18 holes) – First start time 8:30am; last start time 11:50am (all play starts on #1)
Practice Facilities will be closed for tournament player use only from 7am to 11:30 am.

Monday, April 24th – Round 2 (18 holes) – First start time 8:30am; last start time 11:50am (all play starts on #1)
Practice Facilities will only be open in the morning for tournament player use.

Tuesday, April 27th – Final Round (18 holes) – First start time 8am; last start time 9:40am (all play starts on #1 and #10)
Practice Facilities will be closed for tournament player use only from 7am to 10am.