Elon Phoenix Create History with First CAA Men’s Golf Championship Title

The 2025 Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) Men’s Golf Championship delivered one of the most dramatic finishes in league history, as the Elon Phoenix secured their first-ever team title in a sudden-death playoff against the Drexel Dragons. The victory, clinched at the Union League National Golf Club in Swainton, New Jersey, marked a milestone for Elon’s program and a heartbreaking near-miss for Drexel, which had never before claimed the championship.

The Championship Showdown

The tournament, held from April 20-22, 2025, featured 54 holes of stroke play over three days, with teams competing for the coveted CAA title. Elon and Drexel finished regulation tied at 38-under par, forcing a one-hole playoff to determine the champion. The Phoenix emerged victorious, etching their name into CAA history as the 2025 champions.

The final team leaderboard reflected the competitive nature of the event, with Campbell University finishing third at 18-under par, followed by the College of Charleston at 28-over. The University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW), William & Mary, and the University of Delaware rounded out the top seven, whereas Hofstra University finished last at 100-over par.

Drexel’s Quest for a Breakthrough

For the Drexel Dragons, the 2025 CAA Championship was an opportunity to build on their best-ever finish in the tournament—a second-place result in 2021. The Dragons entered the event with high hopes, led by a strong lineup that included graduate students Drue Nicholas and Griffin Mitchell, both of whom had previously earned All-Tournament honors.

Nicholas, a native of Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, had been a consistent performer in the CAA Championship, finishing fourth in 2022 and second in 2023. Mitchell, meanwhile, had posted one of the lowest rounds in Drexel history at the tournament—a five-under-par 67 in 2022. Despite their individual successes, the team fell just short of claiming the title, extending their championship drought.

The Dragons’ starting lineup for the 2025 championship included John Keba, Kevin Lydon, Griffin Mitchell, Drue Nicholas, and Caleb Taylor, with Brockton English competing as the team’s sixth eligible player. While the result was disappointing, the team’s performance demonstrated their growth and competitiveness in the CAA.

Elon’s Rise to the Top

Elon’s victory was the culmination of years of steady improvement. Prior to 2025, the Phoenix had never won the CAA Championship, but their consistent play throughout the season positioned them as serious contenders. The playoff win against Drexel was a testament to their resilience and clutch performances under pressure.

The championship marked a significant achievement for Elon’s golf program, which had long been a competitive force in the CAA. The victory not only secured the team’s first title but likewise highlighted the depth of talent within the program, as multiple players contributed to the team’s success over the three-day event.

Key Moments from the Tournament

The 2025 CAA Championship was filled with standout performances and memorable moments. Here are some of the highlights:

• Elon’s Playoff Heroics: The Phoenix’s ability to execute under pressure in the sudden-death playoff was the defining moment of the tournament. While specific player performances in the playoff were not detailed in the final standings, the team’s collective effort secured the win.
• Drexel’s Strong Start: The Dragons entered the final round with momentum, but Elon’s late surge forced the playoff. Drexel’s consistency throughout the tournament kept them in contention until the highly finish.
• Campbell’s Third-Place Finish: Campbell University’s third-place result at 18-under par was their best performance in recent years, signaling their emergence as a team to watch in future CAA Championships.
• Individual Performances: While team results took center stage, several players delivered standout individual performances. Drue Nicholas and Griffin Mitchell of Drexel, along with key contributors from Elon, showcased their skills on one of the biggest stages in college golf.

Looking Ahead: The Future of CAA Men’s Golf

The 2025 CAA Men’s Golf Championship set a new standard for drama and competition in the league. With Elon’s breakthrough victory and Drexel’s continued rise, the CAA has established itself as a conference with deep talent and parity. As programs like Campbell and UNCW continue to improve, future championships promise to be just as thrilling.

For Elon, the 2025 title is just the beginning. The program will look to build on this success and establish itself as a perennial contender in the CAA. For Drexel, the near-miss will serve as motivation to return stronger in 2026 and finally claim the championship that has eluded them for so long.

The Union League National Golf Club, which hosted the event, provided a challenging and scenic backdrop for the tournament. Its selection as the venue underscored the CAA’s commitment to delivering a top-tier experience for players and fans alike.

FAQ: 2025 CAA Men’s Golf Championship

Who won the 2025 CAA Men’s Golf Championship?

The Elon Phoenix won the 2025 CAA Men’s Golf Championship, defeating the Drexel Dragons in a sudden-death playoff. This was Elon’s first-ever CAA title in men’s golf.

Where was the 2025 CAA Men’s Golf Championship held?

The tournament was held at the Union League National Golf Club in Swainton, New Jersey.

How many teams competed in the 2025 CAA Men’s Golf Championship?

Eleven teams competed in the 2025 CAA Men’s Golf Championship, representing universities from across the Coastal Athletic Association.

What was Drexel’s best finish in the CAA Men’s Golf Championship prior to 2025?

Drexel’s best finish in the CAA Men’s Golf Championship prior to 2025 was second place, which they achieved in 2021.

Who were the key players for Drexel in the 2025 CAA Championship?

Drexel’s starting lineup for the 2025 CAA Championship included John Keba, Kevin Lydon, Griffin Mitchell, Drue Nicholas, and Caleb Taylor, with Brockton English competing as the team’s sixth eligible player. Nicholas and Mitchell were particularly notable for their past performances in the tournament.

What is the format of the CAA Men’s Golf Championship?

The CAA Men’s Golf Championship is a 54-hole stroke play event, typically held over three days. Teams compete for the lowest cumulative score, with the top teams advancing to a playoff if necessary to determine the champion.

Key Takeaways from the 2025 CAA Men’s Golf Championship

• Elon Phoenix won their first-ever CAA Men’s Golf Championship in a sudden-death playoff against Drexel.
• The tournament was held at the Union League National Golf Club in Swainton, New Jersey.
• Drexel finished as runners-up, extending their search for a first CAA title in men’s golf.
• Campbell University finished third, marking their best result in recent years.
• The championship highlighted the growing competitiveness of CAA men’s golf, with multiple teams capable of contending for the title.