It's a wonderful time to be a golf fan and with the NCAA Championship starting Friday, there's even more reason for excitement.

The Golf Channel is broadcasting live from Prairie Dunes Country Clib in Hutchison, Kansas and there's an additional excitement in the air given terrific play seen from across the country during the season and in last weekend's regional play.

According to the Golf Channel's panel of experts who'll be covering the event throughout the week, there's major interest in the weather.

"Myself, I'm hoping for winds about 10-20 (miles per hour) but good weather," said analyst and former collegiate star Lanny Wadkins. "That will challenge the kids."

The typical swiriling winds go to lengthen and otherwise defend Prairie Dunes, which at approximately 6,800 yards, isn't as long the longest course the NCAA's bombers will play -- by a long shot.

"In the end, it'll come down to the team that shows a lot of patience. There will be an importance on putting."

The event includes 54 holes of stroke play with the top eight teams moving on to the event's match play portion. During the 54-hole stroke-play portion, an overall individual champion will be crowned.

"Another factor is how these kids handle nerves while trying to win a national championship," said Billy Ray Brown, an on-course reporter for Golf Channel who was an All-American and three-time national champion at Houston. "It sticks with you a long time.

"The individual play will be great but how five players come together to try to win a national championship is exciting."

The first round of stroke-play begins Friday from Prairie Dunes. AmateurGolf.com will have full coverage of the event including post-round recaps and results.

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