BEAUFORT, S.C. () — In a stunning display of skill, a first-year golfer from the University of South Carolina Beaufort clinched the NCAA Division II National Championship on Wednesday in Boulder City, Nevada.
Octavio Laurent delivered an impressive performance, shooting a 63 in the final round to secure the title with a remarkable 17-under par (199), setting a new program record for a tournament.
Originally from Bordeaux, France, Laurent made history as the first athlete from the Sand Shark team to win a national championship during the university’s NCAA DII tenure.
This national victory caps off an extraordinary season for the freshman, who also received the NCAA DII Phil Mickelson Outstanding Freshman Award. Moreover, he was named Peach Belt Conference Co-Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year.
Laurent’s journey began on Monday, when he tied for 19th place with a two-under-par opening round. He surged forward in the second round, tying for second with a six-under-par. His final round was nothing short of spectacular, as he played bogey-free golf, scoring nine birdies and nine pars to finish with a nine-under-par.
Over the 54-hole tournament, Laurent had 22 birdies and 27 pars, scoring par or better on 49 of 54 holes. During his final two rounds, he played 35 of 36 holes at par or better.
Head coach Cory Cottrell said, “Octavio has been nothing but phenomenal since he stepped foot on campus in August. I could not be more thrilled for all of his hard work to pay off in such a rewarding way. To end the year by not only winning the NCAA Championship, but to do so by breaking several NCAA records is spectacular.”
Cottrell also highlighted what the win means for the program.
“This was a special week for Octavio, but also the whole USCB golf community,” Cottrell said. “There are so many people who have poured so much time and dedication into USCB golf that this success is shared with them as well.”