Granbury, Texas, December 3, 2025
Abilene Christian University Athletics, along with the Golf Channel and HNS Sports Group, has unveiled the inaugural Abilene Christian Intercollegiate golf tournament. Set to take place at Halbert National in Granbury, Texas, this event will showcase nine men’s and nine women’s collegiate golf teams competing over three rounds, with live coverage airing on the Golf Channel. The tournament honors ACU standout Johnny Perkins, celebrating his legacy in collegiate sports.
Granbury, Texas – Abilene Christian University (ACU) Athletics, in partnership with the Golf Channel and HNS Sports Group, has announced the inaugural Abilene Christian Intercollegiate golf tournament, scheduled for October 19-21, 2026, at Halbert National in Granbury, Texas. This annual event will showcase nine men’s and nine women’s collegiate golf teams competing in three rounds of stroke play, with live coverage on the Golf Channel.
Inaugural Event Details
- Dates: October 19-21, 2026
- Location: Halbert National, Granbury, Texas
- Format: Three-day tournament with nine men’s and nine women’s teams
- Coverage: Live broadcast on the Golf Channel
Committed Teams
Women’s Teams:
- University of Oregon
- Baylor University
- Purdue University
Men’s Teams:
- Southern Methodist University
- University of Houston
- Texas A&M University
About Halbert National
Halbert National is a private 18-hole golf course located 40 miles southwest of Fort Worth, Texas, along Lake Granbury. Designed by Tom Fazio, the 7,542-yard, par-72 course opened in 2025, offering a challenging layout for golfers of all skill levels.
Event Significance
The Abilene Christian Intercollegiate honors Johnny Perkins, a Granbury native and standout ACU athlete who excelled as a wide receiver in the 1970s and later played seven seasons in the NFL.
Partnerships and Coverage
This tournament, a collaboration between ACU Athletics, the Golf Channel, and HNS Sports Group, will be managed by HNS Sports Group, which specializes in golf event logistics, while the Golf Channel will deliver live coverage of the event.
About Abilene Christian University
Abilene Christian University is a private institution in Texas, competing at the NCAA Division I level and known for its commitment to academic and athletic excellence.
About the Golf Channel
The Golf Channel serves as a leading outlet for college golf coverage, showcasing numerous championships throughout the year.
About HNS Sports Group
HNS Sports Group has over 125 years of collective experience in golf event management and sponsorship strategies.
For more information on the Abilene Christian Intercollegiate, visit the official website at abilenechristianintercollegiate.com.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Abilene Christian Intercollegiate?
The Abilene Christian Intercollegiate is a new collegiate golf tournament announced by Abilene Christian University (ACU) Athletics, in partnership with the Golf Channel and HNS Sports Group. The inaugural event is scheduled for October 19-21, 2026, at Halbert National in Granbury, Texas. The tournament will feature nine men’s and nine women’s collegiate golf teams competing over three rounds of stroke play.
When and where will the inaugural tournament take place?
The inaugural Abilene Christian Intercollegiate is set to take place from October 19-21, 2026, at Halbert National in Granbury, Texas. Halbert National is a private 18-hole golf course located 40 miles southwest of Fort Worth, along Lake Granbury. The course was designed by renowned golf architect Tom Fazio and opened in 2025. It is owned by David D. Halbert, an Abilene native and ACU alumnus, and founder of Caris Life Sciences.
Which teams have committed to participate in the tournament?
Women’s Teams:
- University of Oregon
- Baylor University
- Purdue University
Men’s Teams:
- Southern Methodist University
- University of Houston
- Texas A&M University
Who is Johnny Perkins, and why is the tournament named in his honor?
Johnny Perkins was a Granbury native and standout wide receiver at Abilene Christian University from 1974-76. He became the program’s all-time leader in receiving yards and earned All-American honors. Perkins’ successful career at ACU led him to the NFL, where he played seven seasons after being drafted by the New York Giants in 1977. He remains one of the most celebrated athletes in Wildcat history. The tournament honors his legacy and contributions to ACU athletics.
Who are the partners involved in organizing the tournament?
The Abilene Christian Intercollegiate is a collaborative effort between Abilene Christian University Athletics, the Golf Channel, and HNS Sports Group. The Golf Channel will provide live coverage of all three rounds, showcasing collegiate golf to a national audience. HNS Sports Group, an Ohio-based event management company specializing in golf, will manage the tournament logistics and operations.
Key Features of the Abilene Christian Intercollegiate
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Dates | October 19-21, 2026 |
| Location | Halbert National, Granbury, Texas |
| Format | Three-day tournament with nine men’s and nine women’s teams |
| Coverage | Live broadcast on the Golf Channel |
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