No. 1 Auburn Extends Lead to 18 After Round Two of NCAA Regional
With the pressure of being the nation’s top-ranked team, the Auburn Tigers are not only rising to the occasion — they’re dominating it.
After two rounds of the NCAA Regional at the Auburn University Club, the No. 1 Auburn men’s golf team has lived up to every bit of its lofty billing, extending its lead to a commanding 18 strokes heading into the final day of competition. It’s the kind of performance that doesn’t just solidify the Tigers as a favorite for a national title — it reaffirms that this is a team built for the moment.
“We’ve talked all season about not just meeting expectations, but exceeding them,” head coach Nick Clinard said following Tuesday’s round. “These guys have bought into that mindset. They’re focused, mature, and they know how to execute under pressure.”
Through 36 holes, Auburn sits at 35-under par, pacing the 14-team field with a blend of elite ball-striking, course management, and cold-blooded putting — the hallmarks of championship golf.
A Total Team Effort
What sets Auburn apart isn’t just one standout star — it’s the depth and consistency throughout the lineup. All five golfers are currently inside the top 25 individually, with three inside the top 10. It’s a performance that underscores why this team has spent much of the spring atop national polls and why they entered the regional as the overall No. 1 seed.
Leading the way individually is junior J.M. Butler, who fired a 5-under 67 on Tuesday to climb into solo second place at 10-under for the tournament. Butler, one of Auburn’s most experienced postseason players, showcased composure and precision, carding six birdies against just one bogey on the day.
“J.M. was rock solid from the start,” Clinard said. “He’s been in these moments before, and he thrives in them. His short game was lights out today.”
Right behind him are teammates Brendan Valdes (-9) and Jackson Koivun (-8), both of whom have been steady forces throughout the season. Valdes, a senior leader and former All-SEC honoree, carded a bogey-free 68 in round two. Koivun, the 2024 SEC Freshman of the Year, impressed again with a 69 despite some early trouble on the front nine.
“I told myself to stay patient,” Koivun said. “Coach always says it’s not how you start, it’s how you finish — and I felt like I really closed strong.”
Sophomore Maxwell Ford and junior Carlos Marrero round out the lineup, sitting at -4 and -2 respectively. While not leading the team, both have delivered crucial rounds that have helped Auburn separate from the pack.
A Familiar Course, A Dominant Display
The Tigers are playing this regional on home turf — and they’re using every bit of that advantage.
The Auburn University Club, a par-72 course measuring 7,326 yards, has been a fortress for the Tigers in recent years. Designed by renowned architect Bill Bergin, the course rewards precision and strategic thinking, two trademarks of Auburn’s playing style. With large undulating greens and risk-reward par 5s, the course can be punishing — but Auburn has made it look effortless.
Through two rounds, the Tigers have combined for 45 birdies and three eagles, while avoiding big numbers. They’ve also been the best team in the field on the par 5s, playing them at a combined 17-under par.
“We know this course like the back of our hand,” Butler said. “But knowing it and executing are two different things. We’ve just been laser-focused.”
Auburn’s familiarity has been especially evident around the greens. While other teams have struggled with the tricky Bermuda putting surfaces, the Tigers have drained clutch putts with confidence. Their scrambling percentage is also among the best in the field, limiting mistakes and keeping momentum on their side.
The Field: Who’s Chasing?
While Auburn sits comfortably atop the leaderboard, the battle for the remaining advancing spots remains fierce.
The top five teams from each NCAA Regional will move on to the NCAA Championships later this month in Carlsbad, California. Behind Auburn, Tennessee and Florida State are tied for second at 17-under, followed by North Carolina State at 13-under and Ohio State at 12-under.
Tennessee, paced by sophomore standout Bryce Lewis (-6), has shown flashes of brilliance but hasn’t matched Auburn’s consistency. Florida State, meanwhile, posted the second-lowest team round of the day behind Auburn, climbing into contention with a 12-under team total in round two.
Several other programs — including Notre Dame and UCF — remain within striking distance of the top five. With one round remaining, those teams will need to go low to catch up or hope for a stumble from the teams ahead.
But barring a historic collapse, Auburn appears locked into advancement — and possibly an individual title.
A Team on a Mission
Since the fall, this Auburn squad has carried itself with the swagger and seriousness of a group destined for something special. The Tigers won six of their 11 regular season tournaments, took home the SEC Championship, and are widely seen as a top threat to hoist the NCAA team title at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa later this month.
It’s not just about talent — it’s about identity.
“We’re a brotherhood,” said Valdes. “There’s no ego here. We push each other, and we want to win for each other.”
That camaraderie has shown throughout the season and is a direct reflection of head coach Nick Clinard’s leadership. Clinard, now in his 15th season at Auburn, has built the program into a consistent powerhouse, but he’s still chasing his first national championship.
This year, more than any other, feels like the breakthrough moment.
“I think this group is different,” Clinard said. “They love the grind. They love the pressure. They want to be remembered.”
Looking Ahead: Final Round Focus
Despite the 18-shot cushion, Auburn is approaching the final round with the same intensity they’ve brought all season.
“We haven’t won anything yet,” Butler said. “That scoreboard resets tomorrow. We’ve got to come out with the same energy and focus.”
Clinard echoed the sentiment.
“This is about momentum,” he said. “You don’t take your foot off the gas heading into nationals. You finish strong, and you send a message.”
The Tigers will tee off in the final grouping on Wednesday, playing alongside Tennessee and Florida State. With a potential wire-to-wire regional victory within reach, Auburn is eyeing not just a win — but a statement.
The Bigger Picture: Auburn’s Rise in Collegiate Golf
Auburn’s performance this week is not a fluke. It’s the result of a decade-long investment in facilities, recruiting, and coaching stability. The program boasts one of the top practice facilities in the country and continues to attract elite national and international talent.
This season, that investment has produced one of the most complete teams in program history.
The Tigers’ blend of senior leadership and underclassman firepower makes them a matchup nightmare. Butler, Valdes, and Ford bring poise and postseason experience. Koivun, Marrero, and others bring raw ability and fearlessness. Together, they form a team without a glaring weakness — a trait that could be pivotal in the match-play format of the NCAA Championship.
In many ways, the regional performance is just the latest chapter in a season defined by excellence.
But Auburn doesn’t want to be remembered as a great regular season team. They want to be remembered as national champions.
Final Thoughts
As the sun sets on Round Two of the Auburn Regional, the Tigers are doing more than leading — they’re dominating. With a second straight round in the 60s from Butler and strong contributions up and down the lineup, Auburn has turned a competitive regional into a personal showcase.
But they aren’t getting complacent. Not with bigger goals on the horizon.
“We know what’s at stake,” Koivun said. “We want to leave a legacy. And that starts by finishing what we started here at home.”
If Auburn can close the deal Wednesday and carry this form into Carlsbad, the rest of the country better be on notice. The Tigers aren’t just No. 1 on paper — they’re playing like it, too.
And that might just make all the difference in a championship chase.
