Kang pictured with Head Coach, Steve Patton.

On Friday, May 27, Truett McConnell University’s No. 1 MinJi Kang of the women’s golf team was named the 2022 Women’s Golf NAIA National Champion in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma at the Lincoln Park Golf Club. Kang battled through tough weather all week, ultimately finishing on top and being crowned the national champion after shooting a 69 in round one, stellar 66 in round two and 69 in round three (204), a total of 12 under par.

“As a coach, when you have the opportunity to coach a player as talented as MinJi, it is a dream come true,” said Head coach Steve Patton. “What made it even better is the fact that MinJi is a lady full of humility and kindness. I am so happy for MinJi, our team and our university to be able to win a national championship!”

Kang delivered a sharp performance in round one of the national tournaments with an under-par score, while improving by three strokes with a record-setting 135 (69, 66) for nine-under par. Kang currently holds two NAIA tournament records, the lowest score in an 18-hole round with a 66 and the lowest total in 36 holes with a 135 and has earned a spot on the Women’s Golf NAIA National Championships All-Tournament Team.

Kang was a key contributor to TMU’s historical season, while also receiving multiple awards and breaking multiple individual records. The freshman’s collegiate career began at the Lincoln Memorial Jekyll Island Invite, where she was crowned tournament champion after shooting a 71 and 72 through two rounds, while earning a spot on the all-tournament team. Kang continued to shine throughout the regular season, remaining perfect in play with seven consecutive individual wins.

Kang shined at the Roadrunner Invitational, where she tallied her sixth consecutive win while shooting a 68, 65 and 67 through three rounds, a total of 16 under par. Kang concluded the regular season with an overall first place finish at the AAC Tournament, shooting a 68 and 69 through two rounds to earn her a spot on the all-tournament team and All-Conference First Team, while being named the AAC Player of the Year.

Kang broke multiple school records throughout the season, capable of setting a new one-day and two-day individual record and played a huge role in setting a new one-day, two-day and three-day overall team record.

Keep up with all the Lady Bears action here on tmbears.com and follow us on Facebook (@TMUBears), Instagram (@TMUBears) and Twitter (@TMUBears).

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Sara Sullivan is the Director of Athletic Marketing and Communications for the Truett McConnell University Bears.

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