Eagle Eye and MSU to Host NCAA Regional
May 15-17 fans can watch the country’s top college players for free
By Tom Lang
Home field advantage is always nice.
That’s one of many reasons MSU Men’s Golf coach Casey Lubahn worked with Eagle Eye Golf Club and the Greater Lansing Sports Authority to bring the NCAA Men’s Regional to mid-Michigan this month. Eagle Eye is a frequent host to the MSU team for events and practice.
“We wanted to give this community a big college event and bring some of the best college players in the country here,” Lubahn said. “And it’s obviously an advantage for your program to host a regional and play in it. But really, it’s about the thousands of people in town who support our program and the countless fans of golf around Michigan who can see a top tier event in Lansing, which hasn’t happened in a long time.
“People can see how great college golf has gotten. Sam Bennett (Texas A&M) at The Masters, and others, these are the next stars on the PGA Tour. And they’ll be here at Eagle Eye. There’s a lot of good players in these fields, and it’s free. It’s easy to get up close. And the student-athletes are very open and hospitable for people to follow them. You can bring the kids out to watch some of the best amateur players in the world.
“Eagle Eye is a great viewing venue. We’ll hope for some good Michigan weather so we can put on a good show.”
Both Lubahn, and player Bradley Smithson, who as an amateur won the Michigan Open over dozens of pros in 2021, agreed that Eagle Eye has lots of room off most tees, so the par 3s could end up being very pivotal. Those are holes 2, 5, 12 and 17 – the latter an island green that’s an exact replica of the treacherous hole 17 at TPC Sawgrass that has dashed the dreams of many pros in The PLAYERS Championship each spring.
“I think the back 9 is going to be a good test coming down the stretch, having the pressure of trying to make it to Phoenix,” Smithson said. “The final three holes especially 17; it’s a little wedge but with the pressure and the water and trying to hit that island green. But then the tee ball on 18 will probably the most important tee ball on the golf course with the water down the right side, and the heather on the left. That second shot trying to reach that (par 5) green is huge.”
Lubahn added: “I think 5 is a pivotal hole. It’s a very, very challenging par. I think that will dictate how the front 9 goes. I think it’s the hardest shot on the course.
“And when you turn onto 16, the last three holes at Eagle Eye are the real deal. No. 16 and 18 are long, and 17 is iconic. The nerves these young people are going to feel on 17 tee when they are trying to get into the NCAA Championship, or try to win, it’s going to be very similar to what you see at The PLAYERS Championship.”
Eagle Eye GM Luke Thode said they course is in wonderful early-season shape and the with tournament coming somewhat accelerated preparations like green speeds that might normally be in place around June 1.
“We’re working on making sure the details of the course are in great condition, and things we strive to do anyway but making sure all the details are in place to make sure the college golfers have a great experience,” he said. “It should be a great venue for them on the way to the National Championship.
“It’s such a great stage for amateur golf and our entire staff is proud to have it here.”
The event is open all three days to the public for no cost. Tee times will run between 8:00 and 10:10 a.m. off both nines, to make room for any weather delays or playoff at the end.
Note: The Michigan women hosted an NCAA regional last spring at U-M Golf Course, and the Wolverines were selected to host a regional again in 2026.
