Exciting Debut of the Abilene Christian Intercollegiate at Halbert National in 2026

Abilene Christian Intercollegiate: A New Era in College Golf

In a landmark announcement, Abilene Christian University (ACU) Athletics, in collaboration with Golf Channel and HNS Sports Group, unveiled plans for the inaugural Abilene Christian Intercollegiate. Slated for October 19-21, 2026, this exciting new tournament will be held at the stunning Halbert National Golf Course in Granbury, Texas—an innovative design by renowned architect Tom Fazio.

A Celebration of College Golf

This new collegiate tournament aims to elevate the visibility of college golf, showcasing top talent from around the country. The event will feature nine teams each from the men’s and women’s golf circuits, competing for glory over three thrilling rounds. Early commitments hint at strong competition, with teams such as the University of Oregon, Baylor University, and Purdue University participating on the women's side, and Southern Methodist University, University of Houston, and Texas A&M University leading the men’s field.

Halbert National: A Premier Venue

Halbert National, located just 40 miles southwest of Fort Worth, features an 18-hole, par-72 layout that stretches over 7,542 yards. This private course rests on 170 picturesque acres along Lake Granbury, setting an ideal backdrop for an elite college golf event. Owned by ACU alumnus and Caris Life Sciences founder David D. Halbert, the course embodies a commitment to excellence—a perfect match for the caliber of competition expected at the intercollegiate event.

Live Coverage on Golf Channel

The Golf Channel will provide live coverage of all three rounds, bringing the excitement of the tournament directly to golf enthusiasts nationwide. This partnership promises greater exposure for future stars of the game, aligning with the channel’s long-standing tradition of fostering collegiate golf talent. "We’re thrilled to partner with ACU and HNS Sports Group to present this event live in 2026,” said Glenn Grimshaw, VP of Golf Channel programming. “Our coverage has historically introduced viewers to future PGA and LPGA stars, and we’re excited to add ACU to that list."

Honoring a Sports Legend

The Abilene Christian Intercollegiate also seeks to honor the late Johnny Perkins, a former ACU standout and NFL player, whose record-setting college career left a profound impact on the university. Recognized for his achievements, Perkins remains a celebrated figure in ACU athletics, and this tournament stands as a tribute to his legacy. David Halbert expressed pride in hosting the event, linking it to his own ACU roots and honoring his friend Perkins.

A Bright Future for ACU Athletics

ACU prides itself on its athletic programs, fostering a culture of excellence and academic success. Competing at the NCAA Division I level, the Wildcats boast a proud history, capturing 62 national championships and 226 conference titles. The introduction of the Abilene Christian Intercollegiate represents another feather in the cap of an institution dedicated to developing student-athletes who excel both on and off the field.

As ACU prepares to unveil this exciting new chapter in collegiate golf, fans and students alike are invited to rally behind the Wildcats, celebrating the spirit of competition and camaraderie that the university embodies. For more detailed information, or to follow updates regarding the tournament, interested parties can visit abilenechristianintercollegiate.com or check out the event's social media channels.

Looking ahead, the Abilene Christian Intercollegiate promises to become a significant and celebrated occasion on the college golf calendar, setting the stage for aspiring golfers and making Mark Halbert National a notable venue for future championships.