Kansas City, MO – For the first time since 2022, the University of the Cumberlands men's golf team is headed back to the NAIA National Championship, earning an at-large bid following a strong 2025-26 season highlighted by consistent performances and a fourth-place finish at the Mid-South Conference Championship.

The Patriots secured their national tournament berth after closing out the Mid-South Conference Championship with a three-round total of 886 (+22) against a competitive seven-team field.

Cumberlands opened the championship with a strong first round, carding a 292 (+4) to sit tied for second alongside Campbellsville and just behind tournament leader Lindsey Wilson. The Patriots remained in contention throughout the event before turning in their best round of the tournament on the final day, firing a 287 (-1) to secure a fourth-place finish overall.

Leading the way for UC was Pedro Morgado, who posted an impressive third-place finish after rounds of 72 (E), 74 (+2), and 71 (-1) for a three-round total of 217 (+1). Morgado also recorded nine birdies during the championship.

Final team standings saw Lindsey Wilson claim the conference championship at (+11), followed by Bethel (Tenn.) at (+19), Cumberland (Tenn.) at (+21), and Cumberlands in fourth at (+22).

This marks the Patriots' first trip to the NAIA National Championship since the 2022 season and continues the program's strong rise on the national stage.

The 74th Annual NAIA Men's Golf National Championship will take place May 12-15, 2026, at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois, where Cumberlands will compete against the top teams in the country for a chance at a national title.

29 teams plus individual qualifiers will make up the national tournament field, with156 golfers competing in the four-round stroke play championship. Each team competes with five golfers, with the top four scores counted toward the team total each day. The field will be cut after 36 holes as teams battle for a national title. Pairings and tee times for the championship are still to be announced.

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