It’s been a while since the Jacks’ golfers have been able to stay this close to home.

The SDSU golf teams will host the first ever Division I golf tournament inside state lines when they hold the Jackrabbit Fall Invitational at Minnehaha Country Club in Sioux Falls, Sept. 30 and Oct. 1.

“It’s going to be a great chance to showcase South Dakota State golf,” head coach Jared Baszler said. “We’re excited to be a part of the special occasion of it being the first Division I tournament in the state, and it’s an event that we’re looking forward to having on the schedule for many, many years to come.”

Baszler has extended invitations to most of the Upper Midwest’s Division I golf squads, including USD, NDSU, UND, Northern Iowa, Nebraska-Omaha and in-city Division II schools Augustana and University of Sioux Falls to fill out the field. He said the hope is to grow it to the point where larger schools will come and play.

“Looking at it this year, I think it will be a really good field and one where we have a chance to win as a team on the men’s and women’s side,” Baszler said.

The Jacks’ annual tournament in Primm, Nev., will remain on the schedule for the spring, but Baszler said the chance to play close to home will be great for his players.

“It’s really cool to be able to do this. It’s arguably the best course in the state, and it’s a little easier for the other teams to get to. It will be in phenomenal shape when we have our tournament, and we want to start praying for good weather right now,” Baszler said with a laugh.