NCAA Rule change could stop "Masters of College Golf"

It’s been a late fall tradition that 30 of the nation’s top male college golfers have looked forward to for 33 years, but a rule change by the NCAA may make the most recent tourney in November the last one of its kind. The NCAA eliminated the board responsible for deciding what college sporting events would be exempt from a rule that only allows student athletes to participate in 24 playing days. That schedule does not include practices. So far football and basketball events have not been affected.

For the golfers, the change means that they may have to choose between the El Paso tournament, a sort of all-star event, and regular-season team events that help their teams earn a shot at the national championship. No one really knows why this change happened, but there will not be a decision until next year that is final.

To be invited to the Western Refining All-America Golf Classic players must be an All-American or Division II or III national champion. Organizers say that qualification ensures that the tournament is among the premier college golf events. However, many coaches have said that if the tournament is not ruled to be exempt, they would be hard pressed to allow their players to be involved, despite the prestige.

Just another ridiculous ruling made by the NCAA for no real apparent reason.

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NCAA Rule change could stop "Masters of College Golf"

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