Women’s Golf Wins Second Straight National Championship

TUSCALOOSA – The No. 1 ranked Shelton State Community College women's golf team won its second straight national championship by winning the 2026 NJCAA Division II Women's Golf Championship on Friday at Ol' Colony Golf Course in Tuscaloosa.

 

The Lady Bucs finished with a +121 over par and defeated No. 2 Murray State by 12 strokes. Murray State finished with a +133 total in the four day event. No. 4 Wallace State Hanceville (+164), No. 6 Southern Union (+189) and No. 5 Jeff State (+191) rounded out the Top 5.

 

Shelton State had scores of 320, 317, 321 and 315. The Lady Bucs best round was the final round on Friday, where they shot a 27-over 315.

 

Shelton State has won back-to-back Women's Golf National Championships. The Lady Bucs also captured two national championships in the program's first three years of existence.

 

"I couldn't be more proud of the team for what they went through today," head coach Chris Sanford said. "There were a lot of ups and downs, but they found a way to keep coming back when it looked like they were going give it away.  Murray State played well, and we have some holes where we lost focus, but they made some birdies to offset it, and the girls came away Champions!"

 

Sophomore Katie Hallmark and Wallace State Hanceville's Mallory Brooks were tied at +16 after 72 holes.  Hallmark entered the final round with the lead over Brooks. Brooks shot a 71 in the final round, while Hallmark shot a plus-5 77. Shot a 1-under, 71 on the back nine.

 

Hallmark had a one-shot lead going to the final hole, but she bogeyed the hole and Brooks made par to force a playoff.

 

Both golfers parred the first playoff hole, but Hallmark found water on the second playoff hold and finished with a bogey. Brooks made par and won the  low-medalist score.

 

"Katie carried the load this week, and after a disappointing front nine, came back with a 1 under par back side," Sanford said.  "She gave herself an awesome chance to win low medalist, but it just wasn't meant to be.  The playoff was very exciting, and I am so proud of Katie for her play this week. 

 

"For her and Sawyer, this was their second National Championship, and they can take that with them forever.  Just so happy and thrilled for each and every player! They all contributed all year long!"

 

Freshmen Emma Bark and Riley Fritz both finished in the Top 10, while sophomore Sawyer Hobbs finished tied for 16th place, giving the Lady Bucs three players in the Top 16.

 

"Riley had a great round today, with Sawyer and Emma playing pretty solid other than a few bad holes." Sanford added.

 

Bark finished +28 for the event, after 76 on Tuesday and Wednesday, and 82 on Thursday and Friday.

 

Fritz had her best round on Friday, shooting a 2-over 74. She finished the day with four birdies.

 

Sophomore Sawyer Hobbs shot a plus-43 and finished in 16th place.

 

Freshman Katie Brannon was plus-52 and finished in 33rd place.