Smith Holds Off Tight Leaderboard to Win 2025 NCAA Division II Arnold Palmer National Individual Champion Award

(Photo Courtesy of NCAA Photos)

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. – Hunter Smith of North Georgia claimed the 2025 Division II Arnold Palmer National Individual Champion Award this evening for earning medalist honors following the NCAA Division II National Championship.

Smith (71-67-72, -6) went from T11 to T1 after Tuesday’s four-birdie, 11-par 67 that included an eagle on the 488-yard, par-5 18th hole. The junior from Athens, Ga., used 13 pars, two birdies, and two bogeys to create a final-round 72 Wednesday, holding off eight golfers who finished within two shots to capture the program’s first NCAA Division II Individual National Championship.

The win was Smith’s first as a collegiate golfer and elevates him to a 2025 NCAA Division II PING First Team All-American.