A Historic Victory for Emory Women’s Golf
The Emory University women’s golf team has etched its name in the annals of history with a stellar performance at the 2026 NCAA Championships. The team’s victory at the Desert Willow Golf Resort in Palm Desert, California, marks its second consecutive national title. This triumph also signifies the third national championship in the program’s history, placing the Eagles in the distinguished company of Methodist and Rhodes, who are the only other women’s golf programs in Division III history to win three or more national titles.
Setting New Records
This victory was not just a landmark achievement for the Emory golf program, but it also set a new record for the NCAA Championship. The Eagles set a new four-round total record of 1,154 strokes, surpassing their own previous record of 1,168 set in the preceding year. This exceptional performance saw the team concluding the tournament at two-over par, beating fellow University Athletic Association member Carnegie Mellon by a comfortable seven-stroke margin.
A Nail-Biting Finale
The final round of the tournament was a gripping affair. The Eagles, leading by a narrow one-stroke margin over the Tartans, found their groove on the back nine. The team collectively carded 12 birdies, thus sealing their championship-winning performance. Emory finished with a team score of 284 on the final day, breaking yet another team record for the lowest single round at the NCAA Championship.
Star Performers Lead the Way
The team’s victory was spearheaded by the 2026 WGCA Division III National Player of the Year, Zimo Li, and freshman sensation Amanda Zheng. Both athletes tied for the seventh place on the individual leaderboard, each scoring 288 (E) over the four rounds. Li displayed stellar consistency with a final round of 71, while Zheng shone in her NCAA championship debut with a remarkable final round of 69 (-3). Just a stroke behind the duo was Carys Code, who clinched the ninth place with a four-round total of 289 (+1). Code, who won the individual title last season, continued her impressive form to achieve her second top ten finish at the NCAA Championships.
Conclusion
The Emory University women’s golf team’s victory at the 2026 NCAA Championships is a testament to the players’ hard work, determination, and exceptional talent. This historic achievement not only cements their place in the history of Division III women’s golf but also sets a new benchmark for future teams. With such a promising and talented roster, the Eagles are poised to continue their winning streak in the years to come.