NORMAN, Okla. — After recording top-two finishes in their first three tournaments, including wins at the Bearcat Fall Kickoff and Cateechee Fall Invitational, the University of North Georgia received the top ranking in the second Bushnell/Golfweek DII Coaches Poll of 2023-24. The Nighthawks received three first-place votes and 296 points, taking the top spot in the rankings for the first time in the program's history.

Two first-place finishes and one second-place finish began UNG's fall campaign as the Nighthawks continue to build one of the nation's best men's golf programs after finishing last season ranked third in NCAA Division II. 

The Nighthawks feature much of their returning production from last season, adding a few pieces to help continue their streak of improvement, finishing higher in the final rankings and Peach Belt Conference tournament each season since head coach Bryson Worley took over in 2018-19.

Oklahoma Christian (two first-place votes), Lincoln Memorial, Grand Valley State, and Nova Southeastern (one first-place vote) rounded out the top five, while Barry (three first-place votes), Georgia Southwestern, West Florida, Lee and Florida Southern (two first-place votes) completed the top 10.

The Nighthawks look to continue their hot start at the GSW Hurricane Invitational on Oct. 16-17, an event they have won in each of the last two seasons.