In a historic achievement for Auburn University, four of its standout golfers have been selected to represent the United States at the 2025 Arnold Palmer Cup, scheduled for June 5–7 at Congaree Golf Club in Ridgeland, South Carolina. This marks a significant milestone for the Auburn golf program, highlighting its emergence as a powerhouse in collegiate golf.
Auburn’s Quartet: Leading the Charge for Team USA
Jackson Koivun: A Record-Breaking Freshman Phenomenon
Jackson Koivun’s freshman year at Auburn was nothing short of extraordinary. The Chapel Hill, North Carolina native made history by becoming the first player to sweep all four major collegiate golf awards in a single season: the Haskins Award, Jack Nicklaus Award, Ben Hogan Award, and Phil Mickelson Outstanding Freshman Award . His dominance was further evident as he clinched the SEC Championship by six strokes and led Auburn to its first-ever NCAA team title. Koivun’s consistent performance, including a sub-70 scoring average and multiple top-10 finishes, solidified his reputation as one of the nation’s premier amateur golfers.
Brendan Valdes: The Steady Force Behind Auburn’s Success
Junior Brendan Valdes played a pivotal role in Auburn’s championship run. His impressive season featured nine top-10 finishes and a crucial victory in the NCAA final, where he secured one of the Tigers’ championship-clinching points by defeating Florida State’s Frederik Kjettrup 4&3 . Valdes’ consistent play and leadership were instrumental in Auburn’s ascent to the pinnacle of collegiate golf.
Anna Davis: A Rising Star in Women’s Golf
Anna Davis, a freshman from Spring Valley, California, quickly made her mark in collegiate golf. After joining Auburn in January, she participated in all eight tournaments during the spring season, achieving a runner-up finish at the Liz Murphey Collegiate Classic and winning the NCAA Auburn Regional by three shots . Her stellar performances earned her Second Team All-American honors and a spot on the SEC All-Freshman team. Davis’ selection to the Palmer Cup adds to her impressive resume, which includes representing the U.S. in events like the Junior Ryder Cup and the Pan American Games.
Megan Schofill: Veteran Leadership and Experience
Megan Schofill brings a wealth of experience to Team USA. The Auburn senior has previously represented the United States in the 2020 and 2023 Arnold Palmer Cups . Her consistent performances and leadership qualities have been a cornerstone of Auburn’s women’s golf program. Schofill’s inclusion in the 2025 team underscores her status as one of the nation’s top amateur golfers.
Nick Clinard: Steering Team USA Towards Victory
Auburn’s head men’s golf coach, Nick Clinard, will serve as co-head coach for Team USA at the 2025 Arnold Palmer Cup. Clinard’s leadership has been instrumental in Auburn’s recent successes, including their first NCAA Championship and multiple SEC titles . His appointment as co-head coach reflects his reputation as one of the nation’s top collegiate golf coaches.
The Significance of Auburn’s Representation
Having four players and a head coach representing Team USA is a testament to Auburn’s commitment to excellence in golf. This unprecedented representation highlights the program’s ability to develop top-tier talent and compete at the highest levels of collegiate golf. It also serves as an inspiration for aspiring golfers and underscores Auburn’s growing influence in the sport.
Looking Ahead: The 2025 Arnold Palmer Cup
The 2025 Arnold Palmer Cup promises to be a thrilling showcase of collegiate golf talent. With Auburn’s strong representation, Team USA is poised to deliver a formidable performance. The event will not only highlight individual talents but also the collaborative spirit and sportsmanship that define the essence of the Palmer Cup.
