The Prestige Celebrates 25 Years of Collegiate Golf Excellence
The Prestige golf tournament marks a very special 25th milestone anniversary this month when it returns to the PGA WEST Greg Norman Course February 17-19, 2025. PGA WEST has served as the host location for The Prestige for all but its first two years. Today, The Prestige is widely recognized as one of golf's premier collegiate and amateur tournaments.
During The Prestige, 25 college teams—each with five players—compete in three rounds of 18-hole play. The tournament concludes with an awards ceremony at the Greg Norman Clubhouse. More than 35 USGA officials from around the nation will be officiating the tournament. Additionally, several players from both participating and non-participating teams take part in an individual competition at Terra Lago Golf Club in Indio,
The Prestige was co-founded by Mark Weissmann, inspired by his son Lee's golf journey at Palm Desert High School and later at UC Davis. Weissmann proposed the idea of a premier college golf tournament in the Coachella Valley to renowned UC Davis coach Cy Williams, who agreed and reached out to the late Stanford coach Wally Goodwin, then in his final year before retirement. Goodwin quickly came on board, and The Prestige was established as a nonprofit tournament under the UC Regents, with UC Davis and Stanford as equal partners.
Since its inception, Weissmann and both universities have remained deeply involved in shaping the event. In its third year, The Prestige partnered with PGA WEST, further elevating its stature. Stanford's coaching lineage—including Jeff Mitchell, who succeeded Goodwin, and Conrad Ray, a former NCAA champion and long-time Stanford coach—has played a key role in supporting the tournament's continued success.
"It was the first tournament created to honor both academics and golf, and co-founders UC Davis and Stanford University remain integral to its legacy," says Weissmann.
Through the years, The Prestige has featured the participation of several prominent golf alumni. Northwestern University won the inaugural tournament led by Luke Donald, a former world number one who captained the European team to win the 2023 Ryder Cup. Jon Rahm, Xander Schauffele, Sam Burns, Viktor Hovland, Tom Hoge, Wyndham Clark, Maverick McNealy, three-time Individual Champion Ludvig Aberg, and many more top-ranked PGA Tour and Ryder Cup professionals have distinguished themselves at The Prestige.
The highly anticipated Prestige Junior Clinic presented by Style Driver takes place on Sunday, February 16 at 11 a.m. (Fun, interactive exhibits open at 10 a.m.) at the Greg Norman Course. This free event is open to the public; juniors and their families are invited and encouraged to attend! As in year's past, Stanford Men's Golf Coach Conrad Ray will emcee a special clinic while top collegiate coaches and players provide junior golfers with valuable tips and instruction. The Prestige also designates one or two of the top-rate collegiate players in the field to demonstrate shots. Over the years, some of the world's biggest stars have made this a "must-see" event for golf enthusiasts.
"With support from First Tee and the SCGA Junior Golf Foundation, hundreds of juniors—from champions to first-timers—have embraced this opportunity," Weissmann says. "We encourage PGA WEST and Citrus Club Members to bring their kids and relatives. The Prestige Junior Clinic has truly inspired young golfers."
Besides the coaches, players, sponsors and Greg Norman Course and Clubhouse team, Weissmann lauds The Prestige's amazing crew of volunteers, led by Julie and Ray Leonard, rules officials directed by Jim Moriarty, alongside the exceptional support the tournament receives from local media outlets and The Golf Channel.
Everyone is also invited to attend The Prestige Tournament, Feb. 17-19. Admission is FREE.
Learn more about The Prestige at www.prestigepgawest.org
In addition to First Tee Coachella Valley, the SCGA Junior Golf Foundation, and Style Driver, The Prestige Partners include Rite Aid, Handel's Homemade Ice Cream, and Guide Dogs of the Desert, with Handel's and Guide Dogs teaming up for a fundraising effort to support Guide Dogs.