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This version of NSU News has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of NSU News, visit news.nova.edu.
This version of SharkBytes has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of SharkBytes, visit sharkbytes.nova.edu.
Golfer Changkija Qualifies for U.S. Women’s Open
NSU women’s golfer, Sandra Changkija, has qualified for the U.S. Women’s Open.
Changkija, a three-time NCAA Division II National Player of the Year for the two-time defending national champion Sharks, shot 71-75 (146) in the U.S. Women’s Open Sectional Qualifier at the Oaks Club in Osprey, Fla., on May 24. She was among 83 LPGA Tour players, collegiate golfers and amateurs competing for five spots in the U.S. Open. Changkija was in a three-way playoff for the fifth and final spot and birdied the first playoff hole to advance to the U.S Open.
“Sandra has added another highlight to a great collegiate and amateur career,” said NSU head coach Kevin Marsh. “Qualifying for the U.S. Women’s Open caps off a historic year in women’s collegiate golf after winning seven collegiate individual titles, a team and individual national championship and being named three-time NCAA National Player of the Year. The university, athletic department, and many other people will be cheering Sandra on as she plays in the Open. We are all very proud of her as she represents Nova Southeastern University in a first-class manner.”
A junior from Orlando, Fla., Changkija was selected as the PING/NGCA National Player of the Year and first-team All-America for the third consecutive year. This season, she has compiled seven individual victories, winning at the Lady Paladin Invitational, The Ross Resorts Invitational, The Lady Moc Classic, The Peggy Kirk Bell Invitational, The Hoya Invitational, The SSC Women’s Golf Championship and the 2010 NCAA Division II Women’s Golf Championships. She finished the season ranked as the No.1 golfer in Division II and as the fourth ranked golfer in the GolfStat Cup, which is given to the top collegiate golfer regardless of division. Changkija finished her junior season with a 72.13 scoring average in 31 rounds of play.
For her career, Changkija has won 11 collegiate titles, been named NCAA Division II National Player of the Year three times, earned three first-team All-America accolades and was named the 2007 NCAA Division II National Freshman of the Year.
The 2010 U.S. Women’s Open will run July 9-12 at Oakmont Country Club in Oakmont, Pa. ESPN will cover the Open on July 9 and 10 while NBC will pick-up the coverage on July 11 and 12.