NCAA golf regionals make highly-anticipated return to St. Joseph on Thursday

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- For the first time in 20 years, the NCAA Division II Men's Golf Central/Midwest regional is returning to St. Joseph. This will be the third time the city has had the honor of hosting the event, with the last one taking place in 2005.

The event will kick off on Thursday, May 8, with tee times scheduled for 7:30 a.m. each day at the St. Joseph Country Club, which has been a venue to many notable golf events. This includes the likes of both the men's and woman's state amateur tournament among other regional, state, national and club golf-related events.

"It says a lot about the golf course," director of golf operations Rick Sumpter said. "It reflects the shape the golf course is in, the investments made by ownership and the membership (holders) to have a better facility. It speaks volumes that they chose (the) Saint Joseph Country Club to host the NCAA regionals here."

The field for the championship includes 20 teams and eight individual selections from the Midwest and Central Region conferences, a total of 108 players. Admission for the event, which runs from May 8 to May 10, is free.

Among the participants is a local from St. Joseph, current MWSU senior and former Bishop LeBlond Golden Eagle Jeffery Johnston. Johnston has racked up many accolades during his time with the Griffons and is aiming to make this championship one to remember as his collegiate career comes to a close.

"It's going to be a special one since it's my last years," Johnston said. "Being at home, it's a pretty cool opportunity. And I'm glad, I'll have a lot of family here and friends watching, so it'll be a cool experience. Hopefully my game comes up in the clutch, but I'm ready for the next three days."

More information on the event and scheduling can be found at stjomosports.com/event/2025-ncaa-division-ii-mens-golf-central-midwest-regional/.