The Auburn Tigers arrived at the NCAA Men’s Golf Championship at La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, California, as the consensus No. 1 team in the country, carrying with them the weight of lofty expectations and the confident swagger of a team that had won nearly everything in sight this season. And after 54 holes of intense competition, Auburn did exactly what was needed: the Tigers topped the leaderboard and survived the first cut at the championship, sending a clear message to the rest of the field that they remain the team to beat.

Auburn’s success through the first three rounds of stroke play was no accident. Fueled by a deep and battle-tested lineup, the Tigers showcased the balanced attack and unwavering focus that have been their hallmarks all season long. While the championship still has a long way to go, Auburn’s position atop the standings represents a strong first step toward what the team hopes will be a historic finish.

Through three days of play, Auburn’s players combined for a team score of 20-under par, good enough to lead the field heading into the final round of stroke play before match play begins. Their performance was built on consistency across the lineup: every player contributed key rounds, and mistakes were rare and quickly rectified.

Junior standout J.M. Butler was particularly instrumental, carding rounds of 67, 69, and 68 to sit near the top of the individual leaderboard. His poise under pressure was a defining factor, as he navigated La Costa’s tight fairways and demanding greens with the calm of a seasoned veteran. Butler, who has played some of the best golf of his career this season, said afterward that the team’s collective belief in each other has been the key to their success.

“Everyone knows what they’re capable of, and we all trust each other to go out and do our job,” Butler said. “That’s been our strength all year, and it’s showing again this week.”

But Butler wasn’t alone. Sophomore Jackson Koivun, a force throughout the season, shot rounds of 69, 70, and 68. His steady play and unwavering confidence were crucial as Auburn’s lead grew incrementally each day. Koivun, who has become known for his composure in big moments, credited the team’s preparation and the supportive atmosphere within the squad.

“There’s a lot of belief in this group,” Koivun said. “We’ve been building toward this all season, and everyone is locked in. We’re trying to stay present and enjoy it, because that’s when we play our best golf.”

Head coach Nick Clinard has long emphasized the importance of depth, and that approach has paid off in spades for the Tigers. In a field filled with talented teams, Auburn’s ability to count on contributions from every player has set them apart.

Senior Carson Bacha, who has been a steady presence all year, turned in rounds of 71, 69, and 70. His experience and consistency provided a crucial anchor for the team. Meanwhile, sophomore Brendan Valdes and freshman Drew Miller each posted rounds under par at key moments, helping to keep Auburn’s momentum going.

Clinard said that while the team’s talent is obvious, it’s their chemistry and mutual support that make them special.

“This group loves playing for each other,” Clinard said. “They push each other to get better every day, and they know that if someone has a tough stretch, someone else is going to pick them up. That’s what makes them so dangerous.”

La Costa’s Champions Course has presented a stern test this week, with tricky winds and firm greens demanding precision and patience. While some teams struggled to adjust, Auburn’s adaptability has been on full display.

The Tigers’ ability to remain patient and disciplined has been key. Even when conditions turned challenging—like during Saturday’s second round, when afternoon gusts made club selection tricky—Auburn stuck to its game plan. Clinard said that preparation was crucial, with the team spending hours in practice rounds figuring out the nuances of the course.

“They’re such a smart group,” he said. “They’re always talking about where the misses are, what’s the smart play, and they’re not afraid to take their medicine when they need to. That’s what it takes at a place like this.”

The NCAA Men’s Golf Championship is a grueling test of skill and endurance. After 54 holes of stroke play, the field is cut to the top 15 teams for a final round of stroke play. From there, the top eight teams advance to match play, where the national championship is ultimately decided.

Auburn’s position at the top of the leaderboard after the first cut means they have not only survived but thrived. With the final round of stroke play to come, the Tigers are focused on maintaining their edge and ensuring a spot in match play—a stage where they believe they can truly shine.

“We’ve been talking about this all year,” Butler said. “We want to get to match play and then see what happens. We know we have the team to go all the way.”

For Auburn, the path forward is clear: finish the final round of stroke play strong and then prepare for the match play gauntlet. The Tigers have already proven they can handle the pressure, and their ability to stay present and play their game has them in the driver’s seat.

The team knows, though, that nothing is guaranteed. In college golf, fortunes can change quickly, and match play adds an element of unpredictability. Still, Auburn’s performance so far suggests they’re ready for whatever comes next.

“Everyone’s excited,” Koivun said. “We’re trying to take it one shot at a time, but we’re definitely feeling good about where we’re at.”

As the championship shifts to the final round of stroke play, Auburn’s lead is a source of both comfort and motivation. Clinard knows the team has the talent to keep their foot on the gas pedal.

“The biggest thing now is to keep doing what we’ve been doing,” he said. “We’re not going to change anything. Stay patient, stay focused, and play smart golf.”

Should Auburn maintain their form and secure a top-eight finish, they’ll advance to match play—the format where they’ve excelled in previous seasons. Match play demands a different mindset, with each player squaring off against an opponent in head-to-head battles that often come down to the final holes.

Auburn’s season has been one for the ages. They’ve won six tournaments already, including a thrilling victory at the SEC Championship that showcased their resilience and team-first mentality. Their No. 1 ranking is a testament to months of hard work and a program that’s become synonymous with excellence under Clinard.

For the seniors like Bacha, this week is the culmination of years of dedication and a chance to leave a lasting mark on Auburn golf. For the younger players, it’s an opportunity to gain invaluable experience on the biggest stage in college golf.

More than anything, what stands out about this Auburn team is their brotherhood. Throughout the week, the players have been seen encouraging each other after tough shots, sharing laughs during practice rounds, and supporting one another like family.

That camaraderie has been a cornerstone of Auburn’s rise to the top. It’s something that can’t be quantified on a scorecard but is just as important as any birdie or clutch par save.

“We love playing for Auburn, but more than that, we love playing for each other,” Valdes said. “It’s what makes this so special.”

As the Tigers prepare for the final round of stroke play and the intensity of match play, they know the road ahead will be demanding. But they also know they have everything they need to bring home a national title: talent, experience, and a team spirit that’s second to none.

Clinard said the team’s focus is exactly where it needs to be.

“We’re not getting ahead of ourselves,” he said. “We’re going to enjoy this, stay in the moment, and see how far we can take it. These guys have already done so much, but they’re not done yet.”

Monday’s final round will be another test of nerve and skill, with the cut for match play looming large. Auburn will enter with the confidence of a team that has led from the front and the hunger to finish the job.

For Butler and Koivun, the chance to play for a national title is a dream come true. For Bacha, it’s the perfect way to cap off a memorable collegiate career. For Clinard and the Auburn faithful, it’s an opportunity to witness history.

While Auburn has been the pacesetter so far, they’re far from alone in the chase for the title. Defending champion Florida is lurking, as is perennial powerhouse Vanderbilt. Texas Tech, North Carolina, and Arizona State have all shown flashes of brilliance and are well within striking distance if Auburn falters.

That’s the beauty of the NCAA Championship—no matter how strong your start, nothing is decided until the final putt drops. Auburn knows that better than anyone and will be ready for whatever challenges Monday brings.

For Auburn, the next 24 hours represent the culmination of everything they’ve worked for: early morning practices, long days on the range, countless hours refining their craft. They’re not just playing for themselves but for each other and for the program that’s become a national powerhouse.

As they prepare to tee it up one more time before match play, the message is simple: stay true to who you are, trust in your game, and let the results speak for themselves.

“We know how good we are,” Butler said. “Now it’s just about going out there and showing it.”

No. 1 Auburn’s dominance through the first three rounds of the NCAA Men’s Golf Championship is a testament to their skill, resilience, and unity. They’ve put themselves in the perfect position to make a deep run, but they also know the job is far from finished.

As Monday’s final round unfolds and match play beckons, Auburn remains the team to beat—a group that believes in each other and is ready to seize the moment. If they can keep playing the way they have, a national championship is within reach.

For now, they’re focused on what’s right in front of them. And that might be the most dangerous thing of all.