IRVINE, Calif – The Big West has announced Sacramento State and Idaho have accepted invitations to join the conference as affiliate members in the sport of men’s golf effective beginning with the 2024-25 season.
Both teams previously competed in men’s golf as members of the Big Sky Conference and will be immediately eligible to vie for the conference championship and The Big West’s automatic berth in the NCAA Championship. The addition of these institutions as affiliate members coincides with Big Sky’s announcement that the conference will no longer sponsor the sport of men’s golf.
The addition of Sacramento State in men’s golf marks the Hornets’ third such affiliation with The Big West. Sacramento State joined as an affiliate member in men’s soccer in 2012 and again in beach volleyball in 2016. The Hornets won the Big Sky Championship in their first year of competition in 1996 and again in 1997, 2017, 2021 and 2024.
The University of Idaho was a full member of The Big West from 1996 to 2005. In that span, the Vandals’ best finish came in 2000 when they shared the Big West crown with New Mexico State. Idaho last won Big Sky men’s golf titles in 2015 and 2016.
“We are excited to welcome Sacramento State and Idaho to The Big West as affiliate members in men’s golf,” Big West Commissioner Dan Butterly noted. “Both institutions have a competitive history in our conference and we look forward to their contributions both athletically and academically as affiliate members of The Big West.”
“We appreciate The Big West and its member institutions for the opportunity to compete in men’s golf,” Idaho Athletic Director Terry Gawlik said. “I am excited for our team to build on its success over the past few years and play in a league where we have a conference title to our name. The Big West is an outstanding men’s golf league, and we are excited to compete with some of the best teams on the West Coast.”
“Sacramento State is thrilled to have our men’s golf team join The Big West,” Sacramento State Athletic Director Mark Orr said. “We have a history of success in men’s golf and look forward to continuing to compete for conference championships and NCAA postseason berths. We are excited to partner with like-minded member institutions who share in our values to enhance the collegiate experience of our student-athletes.”
The additions of Sacramento State and Idaho will give The Big West 12 competing programs, joining Cal Poly, Cal State Fullerton, CSUN, Hawai`i, Long Beach State, UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC Riverside, UC San Diego and UC Santa Barbara.