VALDOSTA, Ga. – The UWF men's golf team is headed back to the NCAA National Championship with a chance to defend its 2025 title.

On Saturday afternoon, West Florida placed second in the South/Southeast Regional Tournament to qualify for a spot in the final tournament of the season. Despite continued rainy playing conditions the Argos shot 285 (-3) in the third round as a team to finish second overall. UWF came into the third round tied for first place but dropped back a spot due to a nine under team score from Nova Southeastern. The Argos final team score was 846 (-18).

Cooper Tendick won his first ever NCAA Individual Regional Title with a 54-hole total of 201 (-15) beating out Drew Zielinksi of Lee and Bruno Marques of Nova by one stroke. Tendick had three straight rounds with sub-70 scores (67-65-69) including a course record-breaking -7 in the second round. The senior posted three birdies in the first four holes and added an eagle on the 505-yard par 5, hole No. 9.

TJ Thompson battled through an up-and-down front nine holes which included four birdies and three bogeys to finish two under on the day to help the Argos to their second-place finish. Thompson tied for 15th place at -3. Max Page also came in under par in the third round with a one-under, 71.

UWF was the best team throughout the tournament on par 5 holes with a -24 combined score as a team. The team was also second best in total bogeys with just 39 overall.

The Argos will now have a chance to repeat as national champions. The last back-to-back title winner was Lynn in 2019. The quest for the 12th national championship trophy in UWF history will begin on Monday, May 18 at Boulder Creek Golf Club in Boulder City, Nevada. The tournament will feature 54 holes of stroke play with advancing teams playing in two days of head-to-head medal match play.

Live scoring for the national championship can be found HERE.