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California State University, Fresno (Fresno State) is a mid‑sized public university in Fresno, California, known for its strong business, agriculture, nursing, and criminal‑justice programs plus spirited Bulldog athletics. Students often rave about the friendly campus community, many clubs and events, easy access to Central Valley agriculture and outdoor recreation, and a welcoming, inclusive campus environment.

State

California

Student Population

25,000

Acceptance Rate

75–80%

GPA Range

3.3–3.7

SAT Range

950–1150

Common Majors

business, psychology, nursing and health sciences, criminal justice

“Fresno State feels like a big, diverse campus where you can study in strong professional programs, join lots of clubs and events, and be close to farming country and nature, and many students say they were surprised by how quickly the Bulldog community and on‑campus activities made them feel at home.”

Team & Tuition

Divison

Division 1

Tuition (no scholarship)

In-state: $7,437; Out-of-state: $19,317

Conference

Mountain West Conference

Scholarships Available

Yes. Both athletic and academic.

Avg Men's Scores

72.45

Avg Women's Scores

75.25

Men's Team Notes

Bulldogs men averaged 289.8 over 24 rounds at Fresno State Classic (Copper River Country Club) and Mountain West Championship (Mission Trails Golf Course), securing top-5 finishes with par-5 birdie strength led by upperclassmen like Manganello. Valley precision fueled California contention.

Women's Team Notes

Bulldog women posted 301.3 averages at Fresno State Classic (Fort Washington Golf & Country Club) and Silverado Showdown (Silverado Resort North Course), highlighted by top-8 placements and freshmen approach accuracy. Birdie runs advanced positioning on Central Valley layouts.

Coaches

Men's Coach

Chad Spencer

Women's Coach

Mary Ritchie

Men's Email

cspencer@mail.fresnostate.edu

Women's Email

ritchie@fresnostate.edu

Men's Coach Bio

Chad Spencer is Fresno State men’s head golf coach, leading the Bulldogs in the Mountain West Conference. A Fresno State alumnus and former Bulldog golfer, he has guided the program through a strong conference‑level schedule and multiple Mountain West‑championship‑caliber finishes. Spencer emphasizes fundamentals, scoring‑oriented play, and player development, helping maintain a competitive MW program with a history of strong individual‑level performances and NCAA‑postseason‑aspirational seasons.

Women's Coach Bio

Mary Ritchie is Fresno State women’s head golf coach, directing the Bulldogs in the Mountain West Conference after being named to the role in 2025. She arrives from UC Riverside, where she led the Highlanders to a Big West title and multiple tournament wins plus NCAA‑Regional qualifiers. Ritchie focuses on fundamentals, short‑game work, and a high‑academic, team‑driven environment aimed at quickly elevating Fresno State women’s golf to a consistent MW‑championship‑level and postseason‑eligible program.

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