ODESSA, Texas — A number of athletics programs at UT Permian Basin have found success this fall. The football team is even making headlines nationally.
But a program that may be sneaking under the radar is the men's golf team.
This squad is currently receiving votes in the Bushnell/Golfweek Division II Coaches Poll. Plus, the Falcons recently made history at the Hapuna Golf Course in Hawaii at the Dennis Rose Intercollegiate, winning both the team and individual title at the same tournament.
Sangha Park earned the individual title and has been leading the way for the UTPB men's golf team all season. The senior has been a tear all year, winning three tournament this fall and earning a couple of Lone Star Conference Offensive Player of the Week honors, in addition to the 2023 SwingU College Play of the Month in September. These accolades aren't the focus for Park though. It's the play on the green.
"I don't think about it as anything special," Park said. "I'm just thankful that the work that I put in is showing and getting proof and just the fact that I help my team a lot. That's the most important thing to me."
Hard work and dedication have been the root of Park's success. He also competes because of everything the sports offers on and off the course.
"I started playing golf when I was 10," Park said. "I still remember the first shot that I hit, and I absolutely loved it. I really like seeing myself keep improve. Keep breaking ceilings that I didn't even imagine, like four years ago."
The South Korea native's college golf journey has brought Park to Odessa. He started his collegiate career at Odessa College and chose to stay and sport the UTPB orange.
"I had a lot of offers," Park said. "Big schools, like D1s, but I found out UTPB was the best fit for me. If I go back a year and a half before, I'd pick UTPB again. It truly cares about a future. It's not just like college. All the programs are looking to the future even after school."
Park's senior season with the Falcons is only halfway over and he still has big goals to continue the fall hot streak.
"Obviously, the goal is to make it to the regional and make it to the national," Park said. "My self goal is to be a champion. I'm not going to chase for it, but through the work and practice, I'm gonna try to earn it."
Park is already considered one of the best collegiate golfers in the country and looks to continue this success in the spring, starting March 3rd.