FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - The Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is pleased to announce that the destination has been selected to host the NAIA Men's National Golf Championship in 2027 and 2028, bringing a premier collegiate championship to the region for two consecutive years. The tournament will be held at Gates Four Golf & Country Club on May 18-21, 2027, and May 23-26, 2928.
The championship is expected to bring 156 golfers, representing 30 teams, along with coaches and supporters, to the area while driving overnight stays and visitor spending at local hotels, restaurants, and businesses. The back-to-back championships mark a strong win for Cumberland County's sports tourism efforts, reinforcing the destination's ability to attract and host high-profile sporting events.
Robert Cox, director of sales and sports commission for the Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, said, "We are thrilled to welcome the NAIA Men's National Golf Championship to Cumberland County for two consecutive years. Hosting this championship is a meaningful opportunity for our community, and we are eager to welcome the student-athletes, coaches, and supporters who will travel here for the event. From Gates Four Golf & Country Club to our local hotels, restaurants, and attractions, we look forward to delivering a memorable and seamless experience."
Kevin Lavertu, general manager of Gates Four Golf & Country Club, said, "Gates Four and Country Club is honored to host such a prestigious event, such as the NAIA National Championship, here in Fayetteville, N.C. We look forward to welcoming all the players and providing a great experience, facilities, and a challenging course that will test the players' ability to determine the National Champion. Our preparations will begin in the fall of 2026 to ensure that Gates Four provides the best course conditions for an event of this magnitude. Our Gates will be wide open to welcome all the players, teams, families, spectators, and all involved in making this event a success."
Gates Four features an 18-hole championship golf course with bent-grass greens, renovated bunkers, and beautiful fairways lined with tall pine trees. Designed in a traditional style by acclaimed golf course architect Williard Byrd in 1967, the course now features a remarkable, must-see redesign completed in 2011 by Kris Spence, one of the leading golf course architects in design and restoration. Gates Four remains within the top list of premier clubs in the golfing community.
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About Gates Four Golf & Country Club
With its recent renovation, Gates Four now boasts state-of-the-art USGA-specified greens, which are a blend of A1/A4 bent grass to provide an optimum surface year-round. Discover how exciting and challenging our newly renovated course can be for all levels of golfers and enjoy the atmosphere of a full-service, private club. Our experienced and trained PGA professionals are always available to help with any facet of your game, from planning an informal golf outing to arranging private lessons or a charity golf event. www.gatesfour.com
About Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
The Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is the official destination marketing organization for Cumberland County. Funded by the county's room occupancy tax, the bureau works to increase visitation, elevate the visitor experience, and generate economic impact through travel and tourism. By promoting Fayetteville and Cumberland County to leisure travelers, meeting planners, sports organizers, and group tour markets, the bureau supports local businesses and helps strengthen the area's reputation as a welcoming place to visit, live, and do business.
About National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA)
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., is a governing body of small athletics programs that are dedicated to character-driven intercollegiate athletics. NAIA members provide more than 87,000 student-athletes with opportunities to play college sports, earn $1.3 billion in scholarships, and compete in 29 national championships. naia.org | @NAIA