Four Auburn golfers will compete in the 2025 Palmer Cup on behalf of the United States.
In a historic achievement for Auburn University, four of its 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 the first time in Auburn’s history that four players have been chosen in the same year, tying the record for the most selections from a single school in Palmer Cup history. The Auburn contingent includes men’s golfers Jackson Koivun, Brendan Valdes, Carson Bacha, and Josiah Gilbert. Additionally, Auburn’s head men’s golf coach, Nick Clinard, will serve as one of the co-head coaches for Team USA . (Four Auburn Golfers Selected for 2025 Palmer Cup Record, Four Auburn golfers to represent United States at 2025 Palmer Cup)
Sophomore Jackson Koivun has quickly established himself as one of the premier talents in collegiate golf. In the 2024 season, he made history by becoming the first player to win the Ben Hogan Award, Jack Nicklaus Award, and Phil Mickelson Outstanding Freshman Award in the same season . Koivun’s impressive resume includes victories at the Inverness Intercollegiate and the Pinehurst Intercollegiate, as well as being named the SEC Individual Champion in 2024 . His consistent performance has earned him a spot on the 2025 Palmer Cup Team USA, marking his second consecutive appearance in the prestigious event. (Head coaches announced for 2025 Palmer Cup – AmateurGolf.com, Jackson Koivun – Men’s Golf 2024-25 – Auburn Tigers)
Senior Brendan Valdes has been a cornerstone of Auburn’s golf program. In the 2023–24 season, he averaged 70.60 strokes per round over 40 rounds played and was named First Team All-SEC and a PING First Team All-American . Valdes played a pivotal role in Auburn’s national championship run, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. His selection to the 2025 Palmer Cup Team USA is a testament to his consistent excellence and leadership on and off the course. (Brendan Valdes – Men’s Golf 2024-25 – Auburn Tigers)
Carson Bacha and Josiah Gilbert have both demonstrated significant growth and potential throughout their collegiate careers. Their selection to the 2025 Palmer Cup Team USA highlights their contributions to Auburn’s success and their individual achievements. Gilbert, in particular, secured a crucial victory in the SEC Championship quarterfinals, defeating Texas’s Christiaan Maas 1-up, showcasing his competitive spirit and resilience . (Four Auburn Golfers Selected for 2025 Palmer Cup Record, No. 3 Men’s Golf falls 4-1 to No. 2 Auburn in SEC Championship …)
Auburn’s head men’s golf coach, Nick Clinard, will serve as one of the co-head coaches for Team USA at the 2025 Arnold Palmer Cup. Clinard’s leadership has been instrumental in Auburn’s rise to national prominence, culminating in the program’s first NCAA Championship in 2024. His coaching accolades include SEC Coach of the Year and Dave Williams National Coach of the Year honors. Clinard’s appointment as co-head coach marks a significant achievement, as he becomes the first Auburn representative to lead Team USA in this capacity .
Auburn’s representation in the 2025 Arnold Palmer Cup continues a tradition of excellence in the tournament. Previous Auburn participants include Blayne Barber (2011–12), Michael Johnson (2016), Jovan Rebula (2018), and Megan Schofill (2020, 2023). The inclusion of Koivun, Valdes, Bacha, and Gilbert in the 2025 event underscores Auburn’s sustained impact on collegiate golf at the national and international levels.
The 2025 Arnold Palmer Cup at Congaree Golf Club promises to be a showcase of elite collegiate golf talent. With four representatives from Auburn University, Team USA benefits from a blend of youthful prowess and seasoned leadership. The contributions of Koivun, Valdes, Bacha, Gilbert, and Clinard are poised to play a pivotal role in the United States’ pursuit of victory in this esteemed competition. (Four Auburn Golfers Selected for 2025 Palmer Cup Record)