LSU Freshman Golfer Arni Sveinsson Impresses With 2-Under Round Despite Rainy Conditions At NCAA Amherst Regional Tournament Performance
The rain poured steadily over the lush fairways and slick greens of the NCAA Amherst Regional, turning the course into a challenging test of patience, precision, and resilience. For many, the inclement weather was a setback. But for LSU freshman golfer Arni Sveinsson, it became the backdrop for one of the most impressive performances of his young collegiate career. As other golfers wrestled with soaked grips and unpredictable putts, Sveinsson thrived, posting a resilient 2-under-par round that stood out not only on the scoreboard but also in the eyes of those watching.
Sveinsson’s performance under challenging conditions signaled a defining moment in his freshman season with the LSU Tigers. Hailing from Iceland, where wind and wet weather are no strangers to the game, Sveinsson appeared more comfortable than most when the clouds rolled in and the course transformed into a wet battlefield. The NCAA Amherst Regional, hosted at the renowned Crumpin-Fox Club in Bernardston, Massachusetts, provided a formidable stage. Known for its tight fairways, penal rough, and slick greens even in optimal conditions, the venue demanded a high level of strategy and execution — both of which Sveinsson displayed with remarkable composure.
His 2-under 70 was among the best rounds of the day, standing out even more considering the rain-induced delays, gusting winds, and an overall scoring average that ballooned above par. Sveinsson started strong, carding a birdie on the par-4 2nd hole, navigating a tight approach shot to within 10 feet and calmly rolling in the putt. He then parred the next three holes before adding another birdie at the par-5 6th, a hole where his decision to go for the green in two paid off as he two-putted from long range for the red number.
After a bogey at the tricky par-3 7th, where a front pin location caused havoc for much of the field, Sveinsson bounced back quickly with pars to close the front nine at 1-under. The back nine is where he truly shined. Despite the worsening conditions, his steady demeanor remained. A birdie on the par-4 11th was earned with a sharp iron shot to six feet, and he continued to grind out pars until the 17th, where he made a gutsy up-and-down from a greenside bunker to save par.
Sveinsson closed with a par on 18, tapping in after missing a long birdie attempt by inches. As he walked off the course, water dripping from the bill of his cap, the magnitude of his performance was not lost on his coaches or teammates. LSU head coach Chuck Winstead praised Sveinsson’s poise and toughness.
“What Arni showed out there today is exactly why we believed in him when we recruited him,” Winstead said. “He doesn’t get rattled, and that’s huge in these kinds of conditions. A 2-under in this weather — that’s the mark of someone who understands how to compete.”
Sveinsson, for his part, downplayed the round with the modesty that has already made him a respected teammate in Baton Rouge. “It was a tough day, but I actually kind of enjoy it when it gets like that,” he said. “Back home in Iceland, the weather’s never easy. I think it helps me keep focused. I just tried to stick to my routine, stay patient, and take the chances when they came.”
His round not only boosted LSU’s team standing in the regional — critical as the Tigers aim to qualify for the NCAA Championship in Carlsbad, California — but it also served as a personal milestone. As a freshman, Sveinsson has been slowly earning his place in a roster stacked with talent. While he’s shown flashes of brilliance during the spring season, this performance may well become his breakout.
This wasn’t the first time Sveinsson has showcased his game on a big stage. Prior to LSU, he was a standout on the international amateur circuit, representing Iceland in team competitions and claiming several junior titles across Europe. His ability to adapt to different courses and conditions has been a hallmark of his young career, and the Amherst Regional only further validated his international credentials.
At LSU, Sveinsson has quickly embraced the demands of collegiate golf — from travel and academics to team dynamics and the pressure of playing in a powerhouse SEC program. The transition from European amateur golf to NCAA competition can be daunting, but Sveinsson has made it seem seamless. His dedication to practice, attention to detail, and willingness to learn from upperclassmen have all been noted by LSU’s coaching staff.
“He’s like a sponge,” assistant coach Andrew Nelson said. “He asks the right questions, he listens, and he works. That combination usually leads to success, and today is a perfect example. He didn’t force anything, he trusted his game, and he let the round come to him.”
The Amherst Regional, with its unpredictable weather, only amplified the pressure. NCAA Regionals are cutthroat — only the top five teams in each regional site advance to the NCAA Championships, and every stroke counts. In these moments, freshmen often struggle, especially when their rounds are thrown into disarray by rain and course delays. Sveinsson’s steadiness, however, offered the Tigers a valuable anchor as they navigated the first round.
For Sveinsson, who was paired with players from Big Ten and Pac-12 schools, the round offered an opportunity to measure himself against elite competition. And while golf is an individual sport at its core, Sveinsson said his focus was on contributing to the team effort. “I just wanted to post a good number for the team,” he said. “Every shot matters in these events. I was just trying to keep it under par and help us stay in the hunt.”
With LSU now in a strong position after Day 1, Sveinsson’s performance has injected confidence into a team that knows what it takes to compete on a national level. As the Tigers prepare for the next round, momentum and belief are on their side, and much of that stems from the way Sveinsson set the tone early.
Back at the team hotel, as the rain continued to fall outside, Sveinsson could be found studying yardage books and watching videos of the course layout on his phone, preparing for the second round. “There’s still work to do,” he said. “It’s a good start, but it’s only one day. I’ve got to keep my head down and keep playing smart.”
That mindset — focused, humble, and quietly driven — is part of what makes Sveinsson such an exciting prospect. For LSU fans and college golf observers alike, his 2-under round at the Amherst Regional is more than just a number on a scorecard. It’s a glimpse into the future of LSU golf — a future that looks increasingly bright with players like Arni Sveinsson at the helm.
As the regional continues and the weather remains a potential disruptor, Sveinsson’s calm under pressure could prove to be a decisive factor. Golfers who can adapt, adjust, and embrace adversity are often the ones still standing on the final day, and Sveinsson’s display suggests he may already be among that rare breed.
Whether LSU advances or not, the message from Amherst is clear: Arni Sveinsson is no ordinary freshman. He is a competitor with the tools, mindset, and pedigree to lead, even in the worst of conditions. And while the rain may have dampened the course, it could not douse the fire that Sveinsson brought to the opening round.
