UTSA junior David Martinez opened the 2026 to 2027 season with the biggest breakthrough of his collegiate career.
The Houston native earned a share of the individual championship at the Myrtle Beach Golf Trips Intercollegiate, finishing at 12 under 204 with rounds of 68, 67 and 69. The performance marked his first collegiate victory after two seasons defined by development, limited opportunities and injuries.
Career Highlights
• 2026 Myrtle Beach Golf Trips Intercollegiate co champion at 12 under
• First collegiate victory
• Career best 54 hole total of 204
• Second best 36 hole score in UTSA history at 9 under 135
• Tied for seventh at the 2026 Compadres Collegiate
• Helped UTSA win the 2026 Military City Collegiate
• American Conference All Academic Team selection
• Ranked No. 86 in the Class of 2024 Rolex AJGA Rankings
• Tied for third at the 2023 CT Pan Junior Championship
• Runner up at the 2022 LJT Winter Classic
• Helped Houston Memorial win two Region III 6A championships
From Houston to UTSA
Martinez was introduced to golf by his father at around four years old and began competing in tournaments when he was nine or 10. After sixth grade, golf became his primary athletic focus as he developed into one of Texas’ top junior players. Pasted text
At Houston Memorial, Martinez learned the team side of the sport while competing for one of the state’s top Class 6A programs. He credited the experience with teaching him how to compete alongside teammates, remain coachable and prepare for college golf. Pasted text
When it came time to choose a college, Martinez wanted to remain in Texas. UTSA’s coaching staff and year round access to TPC San Antonio helped make the Roadrunners the right fit. Pasted text
Overcoming Injuries and Developing His Game
Martinez appeared in four tournaments as a freshman, posting a 74.33 scoring average. He said one of his biggest adjustments was learning that college golf required greater consistency and confidence with his driver. Pasted text
His development was interrupted when he suffered an ACL sprain while playing intramural basketball. During his recovery, Martinez developed a stress fracture in his back that kept him out through the summer and fall of his sophomore year. Pasted text
The time away ultimately changed his perspective. Martinez said the injuries forced him to mature away from golf and focus on becoming more well rounded while working his way back to competition. Pasted text
He returned during the spring of his sophomore season, lowering his scoring average to 73.64 across five tournaments and recording his first collegiate top 10.
First Collegiate Victory
After finally putting together a healthy summer of consistent practice, Martinez entered his junior season focused on what he and the UTSA coaching staff described as hitting the ground running. Pasted text
He did exactly that at the Myrtle Beach Golf Trips Intercollegiate.
Martinez opened with rounds of 68 and 67 to reach 9 under through 36 holes, the second best 36 hole score in UTSA history. He closed with a 3 under 69 to finish at 12 under 204 and share the championship with Coastal Carolina’s Jack Lee and Drew Sykes.
Martinez made 16 birdies during the tournament and played the par fours at 5 under. His 12 under total was 11 strokes better relative to par than his previous collegiate best.
After finishing ahead of the final groups, Martinez waited in the clubhouse to see whether his score would hold. He said he was particularly proud of how he handled the pressure and executed important shots throughout the week. Pasted text
Interview Highlights with CGN
Growing Up Around Golf
Martinez began playing alongside his father at an early age and quickly became attracted to the process of improving. His parents remained an important part of that journey and were in attendance for all three rounds of his first collegiate victory. Pasted text
Learning Through Adversity
The injuries that interrupted his first two seasons became an important period of growth. Martinez focused on rehabilitation while learning to handle circumstances outside his control and trust that he would eventually return to competition. Pasted text
Trusting His Preparation
After making an early bogey during his breakthrough tournament, Martinez relied on the work he had put in throughout the summer rather than allowing one hole to dictate the round.
He focused on trusting his preparation and continuing to compete. Pasted text
Controlling the Inputs
Martinez is keeping his approach simple following his first victory. Instead of focusing heavily on specific results, he wants to control his work, attitude and daily preparation while allowing the results to follow. Pasted text
CGN Angle
Martinez’s first collegiate championship represents the culmination of a difficult but productive first two years at UTSA.
He went from adjusting to college golf as a freshman to missing significant time because of injuries before returning to competition as a sophomore. With a healthy summer finally providing an extended opportunity to work on his game, Martinez opened his junior season with the best performance of his collegiate career.
His 12 under victory in Myrtle Beach provides an early indication of how far Martinez has progressed and gives the UTSA junior a strong foundation for the remainder of the season.