Tigers Tee Off in the Bluegrass: Clemson Pursues ACC Golf Crown in Kentucky
The lush, rolling hills of Bowling Green, Kentucky, are set to become the battleground for collegiate golf supremacy as the Clemson Tigers arrive to contest the 2025 Atlantic Coast Conference Men’s Golf Championship. This year marks a significant moment in the history of the prestigious tournament, as it ventures into the state of Kentucky for the very first time, with The Club @ Olde Stone playing host to what promises to be a fiercely competitive five-day event. Adding another layer of intrigue to this year’s championship is the expansion of the field, welcoming newcomers Stanford, California, and SMU, making it the largest ACC Tournament since its inception in 1954, with a total of 15 formidable teams vying for the coveted title.
Clemson, a perennial powerhouse in collegiate golf and a constant presence at the ACC Championship, brings a rich legacy to Kentucky. The Tigers have hoisted the conference trophy an impressive 11 times, a testament to their enduring excellence, with ten of those victories occurring under the guidance of the legendary Hall of Fame coach Larry Penley. Their most recent triumph came in 2021 at the Capital City Crabapple Course in Atlanta, Georgia, a memory the current squad will undoubtedly look to draw inspiration from. Individually, eight Clemson golfers have claimed the ACC individual championship, with Jacob Bridgeman, now a professional on the PGA Tour, being the last Tiger to achieve this honor in 2022.
Leading the charge for Clemson this year is senior Andrew Swanson, a seasoned competitor who will be making his third appearance at the ACC Championship. The Bluffton, South Carolina native has consistently performed at a high level, evidenced by his 14th-place finish as a sophomore and 30th last year. This season, Swanson has been the Tigers’ standout performer, boasting a team-best stroke average of 71.50 and securing three top-10 finishes. His recent form has been particularly impressive, having finished within the top 14 in his last three events, signaling his readiness for the challenges ahead.
Joining Swanson in the Clemson lineup is Lucas Augustsson, a junior transfer from East Carolina. Augustsson has proven to be a valuable addition to the team, holding a solid 72.50 stroke average and recording ten rounds at par or better this season. The native of Sweden played a pivotal role in Clemson’s team victory at the Palmetto, where he finished third individually with a one-under-par 139 over 36 holes, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure.
Kian Rose, another junior in the Clemson contingent, will occupy the number three spot in the lineup. Rose holds the second-best stroke average on the team at 72.27 and has carded nine under-par rounds this year, second only to Swanson’s impressive 13. Notably, Rose is the only Clemson golfer to have secured an individual tournament victory this season, having captured the Briar’s Creek Intercollegiate title in February with a seven-under-par score of 209. His winning mentality will be a valuable asset for the Tigers.
Rounding out the Clemson lineup are junior Thomas Higgins and freshman Colin Salema. Higgins, hailing from Ireland, carries a 73.85 stroke average this season, but his recent performances indicate a player hitting his stride at the right time. He has secured two top-14 finishes in his last three events, placing fifth at the Palmetto and tying for 14th at the Lewis Chitengwa Memorial as an individual. Higgins’ experience, with 26 tournaments and 75 rounds played as a Tiger, will be crucial. His remarkable 63 in the second round of the NCAA Chapel Hill Regional last year was instrumental in Clemson’s team victory, highlighting his potential to produce low scores when it matters most.
Freshman Colin Salema will be making his debut at the ACC Championship in the number five position. The Matthews, North Carolina native has recorded a 73.22 average this year and has participated in six events, although injury limited his spring appearances to just two. His most recent outing at the Lewis Chitengwa Memorial saw him finish in the top 25, including an impressive opening round of 69, suggesting his capability to compete at this level.
The format of the ACC Championship is a grueling test of skill and endurance. The 15 teams will engage in three days of stroke play, with 18 holes contested each day from Thursday, April 24th, to Saturday, April 26th. Following the conclusion of stroke play, the top eight teams will advance to a match play tournament to determine the overall champion. The quarterfinal matches are scheduled for Sunday morning, April 27th, followed by the semifinals on Sunday afternoon. The highly anticipated championship match will then take place on Monday morning, April 28th.
For Clemson, the path to claiming their 12th ACC Championship will be arduous, navigating a deep and talented field that now includes the Pac-12 powerhouses of Stanford and California, along with the traditionally strong SMU program. The ACC has long been recognized as one of the premier conferences in collegiate golf, boasting numerous nationally ranked teams and exceptional individual talent. This year’s expanded field only amplifies the level of competition, demanding peak performance from every player.
The significance of the ACC Championship extends beyond the conference title itself. Strong performances and a potential victory can significantly impact team rankings and individual accolades heading into the NCAA postseason. For seniors like Andrew Swanson, this championship represents a final opportunity to leave a lasting mark on the Clemson golf program and secure a prestigious conference crown. For the younger members of the team, it’s a crucial experience in high-stakes competition, providing invaluable lessons for their future careers.
The Club @ Olde Stone, with its challenging layout and pristine conditions, will provide a stern test for all competitors. Navigating its undulating fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and tricky greens will require precision, patience, and mental fortitude. The course demands a comprehensive skillset, rewarding those who can combine power off the tee with delicate approach shots and consistent putting. The unpredictable spring weather in Kentucky could also play a factor, adding an element of uncertainty to the proceedings.
Clemson’s history in the ACC Championship provides a foundation of confidence, but past successes offer no guarantee of future triumphs. The current team possesses a blend of experience and youthful talent, with key players in strong form heading into the event. The leadership of Andrew Swanson, the consistent play of Lucas Augustsson and Kian Rose, the potential of Thomas Higgins, and the promise of Colin Salema create a balanced and capable lineup.
As the Tigers embark on their journey in Kentucky, they carry the hopes and expectations of a passionate fanbase. The ACC Championship is more than just a tournament; it’s a showcase of tradition, rivalry, and the pursuit of excellence. Clemson’s quest for their 12th title begins on Thursday, and the unfolding drama promises to captivate the collegiate golf world. Fans can follow the live scoring and streaming of the semifinals and championship match to witness firsthand whether the Clemson Tigers can once again reign supreme in the ACC.
