Three University of West Florida men's golfers have achieved recognition in the 2026 NCAA Division II PING All-America Teams. Cooper Tendick earned First Team All-America honors, while Per Ekelund and TJ Thompson secured Honorable Mention accolades. The recognition reflects their outstanding performances throughout the season, contributing to the team's six tournament victories, including a fourth consecutive Gulf South Conference championship.

By the Numbers
  • Cooper Tendick recorded seven top-10 finishes in 12 tournaments.
  • Tendick won the NCAA South/Southeast Regional with a score of 15-under par.
  • Per Ekelund had five top-10 finishes, including two top-three finishes at various tournaments.
  • TJ Thompson achieved four top-10 finishes with his best result being second at the Copperhead Championship, scoring 4-under.
State of Play
  • The Argonauts captured their 22nd Gulf South Conference championship this season.
  • West Florida advanced to the NCAA Division II Men's Golf Championship after earning the top seed in their regional.
What's Next

Looking ahead, the standout performances by Tendick, Ekelund, and Thompson may set the stage for potential increased interest in the West Florida golf program. Their individual accolades could attract more talent to the team as they continue to compete at a high level in upcoming seasons.

Bottom Line

The remarkable achievements of the West Florida men's golf team this season underline their dominance in the Gulf South Conference and highlight the potential for continued success. The All-America honors reflect not just individual excellence but also the strength of the program as a whole.