Coppin State Women’s Golf Announces Inaugural 2026-27 Schedule
By Brian Hradsky | Maryland Sports Blog
Coppin State University will make history during the 2026-27 academic year as the Eagles begin the inaugural season of their NCAA Division I women’s golf program.
Head men’s and women’s golf coach Elam Ruff unveiled a nine-tournament schedule that will take Coppin State to six states during its first year of competition. The Eagles will play four fall tournaments before returning for five events during the spring portion of the season.
Coppin State will compete in North Carolina, Illinois, Pennsylvania and South Carolina during the fall. The spring schedule includes trips to South Carolina, Florida, North Carolina, Ohio and New Jersey.
“These schedules represent an important milestone for our program,” Ruff said in the university’s announcement. “Our student-athletes will have the opportunity to compete, grow, and help establish the foundation of Coppin State Golf.”
Ruff also emphasized the opportunity to represent Coppin State, establish relationships throughout collegiate golf and begin building a tradition of success on and off the course.
Coppin State Women’s Golf 2026-27 Schedule
Fall 2026
Sept. 14-15 — Elon Invitational
Burlington, North Carolina
Alamance Country Club
Coppin State will officially launch its women’s golf program at the Elon Invitational. The two-day tournament will provide the Eagles with their first opportunity to compete together and record the first official scores in program history.
Oct. 5-6 — Maurice Allen Intercollegiate Championship
Chicago, Illinois
George W. Dunne National Golf Course
The Eagles will travel to Chicago for the Maurice Allen Intercollegiate Championship. Coppin State’s women’s and men’s programs will both participate in the tournament as the university continues building its new golf identity.
Oct. 12-13 — Evann Parker Memorial
North East, Pennsylvania
Lake View Country Club
Coppin State will remain on the road for the Evann Parker Memorial, hosted by Mercyhurst. The event gives the Eagles another two-day tournament against established collegiate programs.
Oct. 23-25 — Fripp Island Intercollegiate
Fripp Island, South Carolina
Ocean Creek Golf Club
The Eagles will close their inaugural fall season at the Fripp Island Intercollegiate. The three-day event will give Coppin State its longest tournament experience of the semester.
The official schedule graphic lists the tournament for Oct. 23-25, while the accompanying Coppin State release references Oct. 22-25. MSB has used the dates displayed on Coppin State’s official schedule graphic.
Spring 2027
Feb. 15-16 — Rivertowne Invitational
Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
Rivertowne Country Club
Coppin State will return from its winter break at the Rivertowne Invitational. The tournament begins a demanding stretch of three events in three consecutive weeks to open the spring.
Feb. 22-23 — Stetson Hatter Invitational
DeBary, Florida
DeBary Golf and Country Club
The Eagles will travel to Florida for the Stetson Hatter Invitational. The event will give Coppin State an opportunity to face another competitive field while continuing to gain experience in different course conditions.
March 1-2 — River Landing Classic
River Wallace, North Carolina
River Landing Golf Club
Coppin State will complete its three-week opening stretch at the River Landing Classic. Managing the quick turnaround between tournaments will test the Eagles’ depth, preparation and ability to make adjustments.
March 29-30 — Northern Kentucky Spring Invitational
Batavia, Ohio
Elks Run Golf Club
After several weeks away from tournament competition, Coppin State will return for the Northern Kentucky Spring Invitational. The break should provide Ruff and the Eagles with additional practice time before the final portion of the season.
April 10-11 — Rutgers Invitational
Piscataway, New Jersey
Rutgers Golf Course
Coppin State will close its historic first season at the Rutgers Invitational. The tournament will provide the Eagles with one final opportunity to measure their development after completing a full fall and spring schedule.
A Historic First Season
Every tournament will carry added significance for Coppin State’s inaugural roster.
The Eagles will record the program’s first competitive round, first team score, first individual tournament result and first program-best performance during the season. Those achievements will become the initial benchmarks for every future Coppin State women’s golf team.
The schedule also gives the Eagles exposure to different courses and playing environments. Coppin State will compete in the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic and Southeast while facing programs with considerably more tournament experience.
Results will matter, but building the program’s culture will remain just as important during its first season. Ruff and his golfers will be responsible for establishing expectations involving preparation, academics, competition and representing Coppin State.
Expanding Opportunities at Coppin State
The addition of women’s golf creates another NCAA Division I opportunity for student-athletes at Coppin State. It also allows the university to expand its athletic reach into a sport that has continued growing at the collegiate level.
The program gives Coppin State another recruiting platform while increasing the university’s visibility throughout several regions. Every tournament will introduce the Coppin State name and brand to new opponents, golf courses and communities.
Coppin State has already begun constructing the program’s first roster. The university previously announced its initial women’s golf signees before adding another player to the inaugural class in February.
MSB Take
Coppin State is not easing its new women’s golf program into competition.
The Eagles will play nine tournaments in six states and encounter several experienced programs during their inaugural season. That schedule should provide Ruff with a strong evaluation of where the program stands and what Coppin State must improve as it builds for the future.
Wins and tournament finishes will always matter, but Coppin State’s first year should not be evaluated solely through the final standings. Establishing a competitive culture, developing the roster and successfully completing a demanding Division I schedule will represent meaningful progress.
Years from now, future Coppin State golfers will chase championships, records and postseason opportunities. The 2026-27 team will always hold a unique distinction because it was the group that started everything.
