SMCC Women's Golf Freshman Lexi Tuinstra Ties for 19th at 2026 NJCAA DII National Championships

Freshman Lexi Tuinstra of the South Mountain Community College women's golf team tied for 19th with a final score of +45 (333) at the 2026 NJCAA Division II National Championships from May 12-15 at Ol' Colony Golf Complex in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Playing as an independent, Tuinstra turned in an outstanding performance against some of the nation's best golfers.

Tuinstra opened with a 13-over 85 in her first round. She posted a birdie on the par-five No. 3, a 466-yard hole that Tuinstra would have success over the following days. She also birdied the par-five No. 7, a 495-yard hole, and added five pars over the 18 holes.

In her second round, Tuinstra recorded nine pars to card an 11-over 83. She recorded a stretch of six pars over eight holes on the back nine, including the par-three No. 17.

In round three, Tuinstra returned to the fifth hole and carded her second birdie there en route to an 11-over 83 for the round. She added four pars on the front nine and three more over the final nine holes.

Finally, Tuinstra closed with a 10-over 82 in the fourth round of competition. She recorded an eagle three on the par-five No. 3, and birdied the par-four No. 2 and the par-four No. 9 over the opening nine holes of the round. She posted four pars on the back nine to end her time in Alabama.

"I'm so proud of what Lexi was able to accomplish this year. A top-20 finish at the National Championship is a great finish to a historic year," said SMCC head coach Marcus Smith. "She has put South Mountain CC on the map for women's golf. Her growth and development over the year have been tremendous, and she represented SMCC at the highest level, achieving success. She will be able to use this experience and become a true leader within our program moving forward. I think this National Championship was not only a way to recognize Lexi for her regular season achievements, but it will also do more for Lexi in the coming years as she continues her collegiate career moving forward." 

Earlier this spring, Tuinstra received ACCAC Region I Women's Golf Co-Player of the Year honors after a stellar 2026 spring campaign that saw her win four tournaments, place second at the NJCAA Region I Division II Championships, and post two other top-10 finishes. 

Tuinstra opened the season with a victory at the ACCAC Spring Opener on Jan. 27-28 at Tres Rios Golf Course in Goodyear, Ariz., with a final score of +16 (158). Her second victory came at the PVCC Spring Invitational with a score of +20 (162) over Feb. 24-25 at Encanto Golf Course in Phoenix.

Tuinstra's next victory came at the Lady Thunderbird Invitational over Mar. 16-17 at Dobson Ranch Golf Course in Mesa, Ariz., with a final score of +6 (150). Finally, Tuinstra posted a final score of +9 (153) at the Chandler-Gilbert Invite on Mar. 31 and Apr. 1 at Toka Sticks Golf Course in Mesa, Ariz., to earn her fourth individual medalist honor of the campaign.

At the Region I Division II Championships, Tuinstra placed second with a score of +40 (324) over April 20-23 at Ocotillo Golf Course in Chandler, Ariz.

She tied for fifth at the Estrella Mountain Invite over Mar. 22-23 at Sundance Golf Course in Buckeye, Ariz., with a score of +32 (176). Tuinstra was also seventh at the South Mountain Invitational Feb. 11-12 at Sun City Country Club in Sun City, Ariz., with a final score of +29 (173).