The stage is set for an exciting spring showdown on the Arizona desert! The fourth edition of the Women's National Golf Invitational is officially locked in, with ten college teams accepting their invitations to compete for postseason glory.

Scheduled for May 15-17 at the scenic Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club in Maricopa, Arizona, this tournament serves as the women's golf equivalent of the NIT in college basketball. It's a unique opportunity for teams to cap off their season with a prestigious, 54-hole stroke-play championship.

Three familiar faces from the 2025 field are returning: Bowling Green, Mercer, and Rutgers. They'll be joined by seven new contenders, all eager to etch their names into the tournament's history. Mercer holds a special distinction, having participated in every single edition of the NGI since its inception.

The event was born out of a 2022 NCAA decision allowing schools to participate in one season-ending event. That July, Golfweek and Ak-Chin Southern Dunes partnered to create the inaugural National Golf Invitational, with Golfweek's Lance Ringler serving as tournament director. Santa Clara claimed the 2025 title, while Rutgers took home the trophy in 2024.

For fans and players alike, this tournament is a celebration of collegiate golf's depth and talent. While the women's field is set, keep an eye out for the announcement of the 2026 Men's National Golf Invitational teams, scheduled for May 22-24, coming soon.