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, 2028.
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.
Robert Cox, director of sales and sports commission for the Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, said in a press release, “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.
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 Willard 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.
Kevin Lavertu, general manager of Gates Four Golf & Country Club, said in a press release, “Gates Four Golf and Country Club is honored to host such a prestigious event, such as the NAIA National Championship, here in Fayetteville. We look forward to welcoming all the players and providing a great experience, facilities, along 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 Gates Four will provide 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.”
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