BOULDER CITY, NEVADA – The University of South Carolina Beaufort's Men's Golfer Octavio Laurent earned a National Championship on Wednesday evening. Laurent completed the third round of the NCAA Division II National Championship at nine-under par to secure the victory for the Sand Sharks' first-ever NCAA Division II National Champion, making program history.

Laurent sealed the win by finishing 17-under par across the three rounds, saving his best performance for the final round. He recorded nine birdies over 18 holes to climb to the top of the leaderboard and capture the National Championship. Laurent finished even par on the other nine holes, carding either a birdie or par on all 18 holes.

Laurent led the tournament with a field-best 22 birdies through the three rounds of play while adding 27 pars throughout the championship.

He posted two of the tournament's lowest rounds, leading rounds two and three on his way to the National Championship. His final score of 17-under par marked a new season best, finishing four strokes ahead of the next closest competitor at 13-under par.

Laurent concluded his day in first place as he awaited the remaining golfers to finish their final rounds before the championship officially became his. He finished atop a field of more than 100 golfers.

The victory caps off an unforgettable season for Laurent, who earned numerous accolades throughout the year, including Peach Belt Conference Co-Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year honors. Laurent was also named the 2026 NCAA Division II Phil Mickelson Outstanding Freshman Award winner and earned NCAA Division II PING First Team All-American honors. He now adds National Champion to an already impressive resume.

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