Wake Forest University is poised to make headlines in the world of collegiate athletics as it prepares to host the NCAA Division I Men's Golf Winston-Salem Regional. Announced just days ago, this prestigious event underscores the Demon Deacons' enduring excellence in golf and highlights the university's role as a key player in higher education sports. Set against the backdrop of North Carolina's rolling Piedmont landscape, the regional brings together top talent from across the nation, offering a platform for student-athletes to shine while boosting campus spirit and community pride.

The selection of Wake Forest as host reflects not only the team's competitive prowess but also the university's top-tier facilities and organizational expertise. With a rich tradition in golf dating back decades, Wake Forest continues to elevate its profile in the Atlantic Coast Conference and beyond. This home advantage could propel the Deacons deep into the postseason, echoing their consistent NCAA appearances and championship pedigree.

Event Details and Tournament Structure

The NCAA Winston-Salem Regional kicks off on Monday, May 18, 2026, at Bermuda Run Country Club in Bermuda Run, North Carolina, just a short drive from the Wake Forest campus in Winston-Salem. This 54-hole stroke-play tournament spans three days, culminating on Wednesday, May 20. The top five teams and the lowest-scoring individual not on an advancing team will earn spots in the NCAA Championships, held May 29 to June 3 at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, California, hosted by the University of Texas.

Organized by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), these regionals are the gateway to the national finals for Division I men's golf programs. Each of the six regional sites features 12 to 14 teams and several standout individuals competing for limited advancement berths. For Wake Forest, seeded sixth in their own regional, the pressure is on to perform in familiar territory while facing formidable opponents.

Spotlight on Bermuda Run Country Club

Bermuda Run Country Club serves as the perfect stage for this high-stakes competition. Nestled in the scenic Yadkin Valley, the par-72 layout stretches over 6,800 yards, challenging players with its tree-lined fairways, strategic bunkers, and undulating greens. The club has a storied history with NCAA events, having hosted the 1979 Division I Men's Golf Championship—won by Ohio State—and more recently, the 2024 NCAA Women's Golf Regional, where Ole Miss claimed victory over the host Wake Forest women.

Wake Forest's partnership with the club exemplifies the university's commitment to leveraging regional assets for athletic excellence. Past events have drawn rave reviews for the course's conditioning and spectator-friendly setup, promising an electric atmosphere for fans, families, and media.

The Legacy of Wake Forest Men's Golf

Wake Forest's men's golf program boasts one of the most impressive resumes in collegiate sports. Under legendary head coach Jerry Haas, who has led the Deacons since 1993, the team has racked up 23 ACC team titles—the most in conference history—and numerous individual honors. Haas, a Wake Forest alumnus, has guided the program to 49 NCAA Championship appearances, the 10th-highest total nationally, including a 27th consecutive regional berth this year.

The Demon Deacons' success stems from a holistic approach blending rigorous training, academic rigor, and mental toughness. Wake Forest's graduation rate for student-athletes stands at an remarkable 97%, far surpassing national averages and embodying the university's motto, Pro Humanitate—for humanity. Hosting events like this regional amplifies the program's visibility, attracting top recruits and fostering lifelong alumni connections.

Breakdown of the 2025-26 Season Performance

The 2025-26 campaign has been a tale of consistency for Wake Forest men's golf. The Deacons notched six top-five finishes, including a sweep of three fall tournaments: the Bryan National Collegiate (hosted on campus), Highlands Invitational, and Palmas del Mar Collegiate in Puerto Rico. Standout individual victories came from Nicholas Prieto at Bryan, Jorge Hao at Highlands, and Tom Haberer at Palmas del Mar.

Spring highlights included a fourth-place finish at the Ford Collegiate Championship, where senior Jakob Melin fired a bogey-free 65 in the final round to tie for sixth. Despite a tough showing at the ACC Championships—tying for fifth individually—Melin and the team enter regionals ranked around No. 32 nationally. Key contributors like junior Kyle Haas, a local product from Winston-Salem, add depth and home-course knowledge.

For full season stats and recaps, check the official schedule page.

Teams and Individuals in the Field

The Winston-Salem Regional features a powerhouse lineup of 14 teams, blending conference champions and at-large selections. Seeded as follows:

• 1. Virginia (ACC)
• 2. Ole Miss (SEC)
• 3. Pepperdine (WCC)
• 4. Georgia Tech
• 5. Southern California
• 6. Wake Forest
• 7. Mississippi State (SEC)
• 8. Little Rock (OVC auto)
• 9. NC State (ACC)
• 10. Kentucky (SEC)
• 11. Houston
• 12. Richmond (A10)
• 13. Navy (Patriot)
• 14. Presbyterian (Big South)

Individuals vying for advancement include Emil Riegger (Maryland), Tyler Jones (Western Carolina), Harris Barth (Furman), Kelvin Hernandez (UNC Greensboro), and Dewi John (Charleston Southern). ACC rivals like Virginia, Georgia Tech, and NC State add intrigue, while SEC powerhouses Ole Miss and Kentucky bring championship pedigree. See the complete bracket on the NCAA site.

Advancement and the Road to Carlsbad

Navigating the regional requires precision over 54 holes, where margins are razor-thin. Last season, Wake Forest women hosted at the same venue but fell short; the men aim to flip the script. Advancing teams join five others at nationals for match play, culminating in a team title match. Oklahoma State enters as defending champs, but Wake Forest's pedigree—multiple national runner-up finishes—positions them as contenders.

The process begins with regional bids announced via Golf Channel, based on metrics like Golfstat rankings, conference finishes, and strength of schedule. For universities, success here translates to enhanced prestige and resources.

Boosting Wake Forest's Higher Education Profile

Hosting an NCAA regional elevates Wake Forest beyond the classroom, showcasing its athletic infrastructure and community ties. The university's 18 varsity sports have claimed 11 NCAA team championships, but events like this foster broader engagement. Student sections buzz with energy, alumni return in droves, and prospective students witness elite competition firsthand—key for recruitment in a competitive higher ed landscape.

Wake Forest balances athletics with academics seamlessly; 97% of eligible athletes graduate on time. Coach Haas emphasizes life skills, preparing Deacons for careers in business, law, and beyond. This synergy positions Wake Forest as a model for Division I programs prioritizing holistic development. For more on Demon Deacon athletics, visit GoDeacs.com.

Economic Ripple Effects for Winston-Salem

Beyond the fairways, the regional delivers tangible benefits to the local economy. Previous NCAA golf events at Bermuda Run generated over $760,000 in impact through hotel stays, dining, and tourism. With 14 teams, support staff, fans, and media converging, expect 900+ room nights and millions in spending—mirroring broader golf tourism trends in the Carolinas, which exceed $1 billion annually.

Winston-Salem, known as the "City of Arts and Innovation," leverages such events to highlight its vibrancy. Partnerships with Visit Winston-Salem amplify exposure, drawing visitors who explore the university's historic campus and vibrant downtown.

Spotlighting Key Demon Deacon Student-Athletes

Senior Jakob Melin anchors the lineup with four top-10 finishes this season, including his Ford heroics. Juniors Tom Haberer and Kyle Haas bring experience—Haberer's Palmas win was clutch—while sophomore Jorge Hao's Highlands triumph signals bright futures. Freshman Maddux Cook adds youthful energy. These scholar-athletes exemplify Wake Forest's dual demands, maintaining GPAs while chasing titles.

Haas family ties run deep: Kyle follows dad Jerry's footsteps, embodying generational pride.

Photo by Bob Shea on Unsplash

Future Outlook and Lasting Implications

As tee times approach, all eyes are on Wake Forest to harness home momentum. Advancement would mark another milestone in their storied run, potentially vaulting them toward a national title—the program's first since the early 1970s. For the university, sustained success reinforces its stature among elite private institutions, inspiring the next generation of Deacons.

Whether on the course or in classrooms, Wake Forest's commitment to excellence endures. Stay tuned for updates as the Winston-Salem Regional unfolds.