Collegiate golf tournament to draw 15 teams to Spartanburg

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The Carolina Cup will tee off in Spartanburg Oct. 9-11, bringing 15 universities to the Carolina Country Club.

The first of what planners say will be an annual tournament is attracting teams including the University of Connecticut, Howard University and the University of Central Florida to the region. Tournament hosts USC Upstate and Wofford College are among the teams representing South Carolina.

“Hosting the Carolina Cup is a big deal for Spartanburg County. It’s not every day you welcome athletes from 15 of the top athletics programs in the country to your city,” Billy Dunlap, chief tourist development officer for OneSpartanburg Inc. said in a news release. “We’re excited to roll out the red carpet for the coaches, athletes and their families, and to show them all Spartanburg has to offer during their stay.”

Net proceeds from the tournament are set for donation to Spartanburg-area philanthropic organizations, including Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas and First Tee–Upstate South Carolina as nominated charities supported by the Carolina Cup.

The Carolina Cup also features play on Saturday, Oct. 8, with 30 collegiate players joining representatives from corporate sponsors in an 18-hole challenge.

“This is a distinctly unique college tournament where not only will golfers play in the NCAA Division I scheduled event, but they will also have the opportunity to network with business executives and influencers,” Robin English, tournament director, said in the news release. “Networking is a lifelong benefit of golf; so, while these college athletes will compete for the trophy, another valuable ‘win’ is the ability to meet corporate leaders and start building relationships.”

Off the course, select participants can take part in a driving experience sponsored by tournament supporter BMW Performance Driving School, which joins Taco Bell as a headlining partner. Callaway Golf is also a valued sponsor of the event.  

The tournament, which will livestream on GameKast TV, also includes teams from Lipscomb University, High Point University, Jacksonville University, Winthrop University, University of Alabama Birmingham, Western Carolina University, Kennesaw State University, Mercer University, Creighton University and Charleston Southern University.

Carolina Cup officials invite the community to watch all three days of play free of charge.