Interview
CGN+ Player Highlight and Interview: Kelvin Hernandez Builds on Championship Success at UNCG
UNCG senior Kelvin Hernandez enters the 2026 to 2027 season following a Southern Conference individual championship, an NCAA Regional appearance and a Caribbean Amateur Golf Championship victory. The Caguas, Puerto Rico native has opened his senior campaign with a fifth place finish at the Bryan National Collegiate and a runner up finish at the Rod Myers Invitational.
Career Highlights
- 2026 Southern Conference individual champion
- Two collegiate individual victories
- First UNCG golfer in its Division I history to qualify for the NCAA Championships
- 2024 SoCon Freshman of the Year
- Multiple All SoCon selections
- 2026 Caribbean Amateur Golf Championship winner
- Represented Puerto Rico at the junior and amateur levels
Collegiate Results Snapshot
2026 to 2027 Senior Season
- Fifth at Bryan National Collegiate at nine under 207, including consecutive rounds of 67
- Runner up at Rod Myers Invitational at seven under, recording rounds of 70 and 67
- Climbed seven positions during the final round at Rod Myers Invitational
2025 to 2026 Junior Season
- Won the SoCon Championship with rounds of 67, 72 and 65
- Final round 65 established a course record at Solina Country Club
- Tied for 25th at NCAA Winston Salem Regional at three under
- Led UNCG with a 71.97 scoring average
- Earned All SoCon honors and two SoCon Golfer of the Week awards
- Named CSC Academic All District and SoCon Academic All Conference
2024 to 2025 Sophomore Season
- Won Bryan National Collegiate at eight under 208
- Ranked fourth in the SoCon with a 71.88 scoring average
- Recorded rounds of 65 at Dorado Beach Collegiate and Sea Palms Invitational
- Earned SoCon Golfer of the Week recognition
2023 to 2024 Freshman Season
- Tied for third at NCAA Regionals with rounds of 67, 72 and 68
- Qualified individually for the NCAA Championships
- Named SoCon Freshman of the Year
- Selected to the SoCon All Freshman Team
- Recorded a 72.71 scoring average across 35 rounds
Interview Highlights with CGN+
Introduction to golf
Hernandez began playing at seven after accompanying his father to a golf course in Puerto Rico. He initially played soccer but chose to focus on golf at age ten. His parents supported his development by taking him to tournaments throughout Puerto Rico and the United States.
Junior golf and representing Puerto Rico
Hernandez won more than 120 tournaments before college and began representing Puerto Rico internationally at age twelve. He described competing for his country as an important part of his golf career and credited the Puerto Rico Golf Federation for its support.
Why UNCG
Hernandez committed during his junior year of high school after conversations with the coaching staff. He was drawn to the program’s approach to player development and felt comfortable with the team after meeting the players during a tournament in Puerto Rico.
Historic freshman NCAA Championship appearance
After a difficult start to his freshman season, Hernandez improved throughout the year and tied for third at NCAA Regionals. He recalled learning that he had qualified for the NCAA Championships after finishing his final hole, celebrating with his coaches and calling his parents.
Practice and development
Hernandez approaches practice with specific goals rather than repeating the same routine. He emphasizes putting, short game, shot shaping and playing competitive rounds to prepare for tournament situations.
Mental game and composure
Hernandez discussed learning to recover from mistakes without allowing frustration to affect subsequent shots. He uses three deep breaths after difficult holes and wears a bracelet that reads Just Believe to help maintain his focus.
2026 SoCon Championship
Hernandez entered the final round determined to help UNCG make a charge. His closing 65 included an early eagle and several important par saves, securing the individual championship and an NCAA Regional berth.
Balancing academics and golf
Hernandez described managing early morning workouts, classes, practice and studying through a consistent daily schedule. He credited his high school routine with helping him adjust to college responsibilities.
Senior season mindset and professional goals
Hernandez explained that he has shifted from targeting respectable finishes to entering tournaments with the intention of winning. Conversations with his father, coaches and fellow Puerto Rican golfers helped shape that approach as he prepares for a potential professional career.
