The Kansas University men's golf team found out Monday it has been selected to play in this year's NCAA Championship.

The Jayhawks will compete in the Central Regional on May 17-19 at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, Ill.

This marks a return to NCAA play after KU fell short last spring, ending an eight-year tournament run.

"We are obviously really excited to be invited to compete," KU coach Ross Randall said. "We were afraid we might not make it after our finish at the Big 12 Championship, but we are now looking forward to redeeming ourselves at regionals."

Nine additional Big 12 teams will compete in the Central Regional.

The Jayhawks enter the tournament ranked 20th out of the 27 teams that make the tournament field.

KU played at Rich Harvest Farms in its opening tournament of the 2007 season, finishing fifth in the 12-team event.

Seniors Gary Woodland and Tyler Docking each recorded top-20 finishes.

Woodland also competed as an individual in last year's NCAA regional play and finished tied for 75th.

The top 10 teams and the top two individuals from each region will advance to the NCAA Championship final May 30-June 2 at the Gold Course at Golden Horseshoe Golf Club in Williamsburg, Va.