Tigers Roar To NCAA Golf Crown As Stout Wins Individual Championship

BusinessSportsMoneyTigers Roar To NCAA Golf Crown As Stout Wins Individual ChampionshipByTim Corlett,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Professional and Amateur Golffor Break80Follow AuthorJun 04, 2026, 09:10am EDTCARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA - MAY 29: J.M. Butler of the Auburn Tigers celebrates with his teammates after defeating the Florida State Seminoles in the championship match during the Division I Men's Golf Championship held at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa on May 29, 2024 in Carlsbad, California. (Photo by C. Morgan Engel/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)NCAA Photos via Getty ImagesPowerhouse Auburn Tigers defeated the UCLA Bruins to claim the NCAA Division I Men's Golf Championship at La Costa Resort in Carlsbad, California.The Tigers' team included PGA Tour participant Jackson Koivun, who went head-to-head with this year's individual champion, Oklahoma State's Preston Stout. Koivun led by one hole heading into the 18th when Auburn secured victories in the remaining matches, ending play before their match was completed.Koivun also showed grit during his semifinal match against UCLA's Baylor Larrabee. The two were all square after five holes, but a strong run from Koivun ended the match on the 15th hole with a 4-and-3 victory. Every Auburn player was ranked higher than his UCLA counterpart in their respective matches. Despite the disparity in rankings, the Bruins entered the tournament as one of the hottest teams in the country.Their streak came to a screeching halt against the No. 1-ranked Tigers, who defeated UCLA 4-1 in the championship match."It brings tears to my eyes," Auburn head coach Nick Clinard said of winning another national championship. "I love them so much, and I love Auburn and our program. I'm just very grateful."Source: AOLStout had to fend off a charging William Jennings of Alabama to secure the individual title. After shooting a 32 on the front ni...