It’s a big weekend for Club Golf as the team travels to Las Vegas, Nev. to take part in the NCCGA National Championship. The event, which features the top 30 club golf teams from across the country, will take place from Dec. 2-3 at Las Vegas Paiute Golf Resort.

Superb performances by the team during their two regional tournaments this fall landed the ‘Cats the top qualifying spot in “zone 2,” an area which includes schools from the Mid-Atlantic as well as the Midwest

“It’s always an honor and pleasure to be invited to nationals,” senior team captain Tyler Stahle said. “It is a different environment than the regional tournaments and it causes our team to step up and play at a higher level.”

The ‘Cats certainly hope their captain’s words ring true. Contending for the National Championship, however, will not be easy.

“We are definitely at a disadvantage because the weather has not allowed us to play as much during the recent weeks,” Stahle said. “A lot of the schools we are competing against do not have that problem. The altitude will also be a factor that we will have to adjust to.”

After a strong fall season, ‘Nova certainly cannot be counted out. They enter Nationals as the No. 7 ranked squad in the country with an average team stroke differential of 14.20.

During their first regional tournament of the season at Frog Hallow Golf Club in Delaware, Villanova took home the victory there with a two-day team total of 731 (+21), defeating rival Delaware by 10 strokes. Stahle also took home the individual title for the event by posting two incredible rounds of 69 (-2) and 66 (-5) for a convincing four-stroke win.

Determined to prove their performance was no fluke, the Wildcats also secured a win in their second regional tournament at Seaview Hotel and Golf Club on the Jersey Shore. There, a two-day team total of 750 (+40) was good enough to secure a 19-shot victory, and landed the ‘Cats their spot at the National Championship. Stahle once again earned the top individual spot with back to back round of 70 (-1).

“The team played great [this fall],” Stahle said. “We had major contribution from all players this year which is different than the past.”

Villanova will send eight players to Las Vegas for the 36-hole event in what is sure to be a weekend filled with great competition.