USCB freshman captures NCAA Division II golf title

University of South Carolina Beaufort freshman Octavio Laurent ended his first collegiate season with a national championship, winning the NCAA Division II individual title at Boulder Creek Golf Club in Boulder City, NV and earning the NCAA Division II Phil Mickelson Outstanding Freshman Award.

Laurent, a native of Bordeaux, France, finished the three-round tournament at 17-under-par with a score of 199, setting program records for both total score and score relative to par. His final round included nine birdies and nine pars for a bogey-free 63, helping him pull away from the field and secure the championship.

The freshman led the tournament with 22 birdies and recorded 49 holes at par or better over 54 holes. He played 18 consecutive holes at par or better and finished 35 of his final 36 holes at par or better.

Laurent opened the tournament May 18 with a two-under-par round that left him tied for 19th place. He climbed into contention with a six-under-par second round, moving into a tie for second before taking control on the final day.

“Octavio has been nothing but phenomenal since he stepped foot on campus in August,” USCB coach Cory Cottrell said. “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 said the accomplishment reflected the efforts of the entire program.

“This was a special week for Octavio, but also the whole USCB golf community,” he 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.”

According to the university, Laurent became the first Sand Shark athlete to win a national title during USCB’s NCAA Division II era.

The championship capped a season that also included Peach Belt Conference Co-Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year honors. Laurent was named a first-team NCAA Division II PING All-American and a first-team All-Southeast Region selection.

The national title and freshman award add to a list of accolades that made Laurent one of the most decorated golfers in program history during his debut season.