ESPN Golf: Auburn Claims Second NCAA Title in Three Years with 4-1 Victory Over UCLA

Auburn Clinches Back-to-Back Era Title

Auburn's Tigers secured their second NCAA men's golf championship in three years on June 3, defeating UCLA 4-1 at La Costa Resort in Carlsbad, California. Seeded first entering the match, Auburn demonstrated dominance against seventh-seeded UCLA in what was a windy final day on the coast.

Koivun Stars in Potential Final College Appearance

World No. 1 amateur Jackson Koivun delivered a dominant 4&3 victory over UCLA's Baylor Larrabee, providing Auburn's pivotal third point. Already a champion at this same venue in 2024, Koivun emphasized the team's resilience after a challenging early season. With a PGA Tour card secured via the PGA Tour University Accelerated program, this may have been his last college event.

His 2025-26 season numbers are striking: six wins in ten starts and a second Fred Haskins Award, capping a college career that includes 11 victories and three SEC titles.

Reilly Seals the Deal

Logan Reilly delivered the decisive third point in the lead group, edging Alex Papayoanou 1 up with a clutch par on the par-5 18th. Freshman Jake Albert contributed Auburn's first point with a 5&3 win over Tyler Loree.

UCLA Falls Short Again

UCLA missed an opportunity for its third title and first in match play format; the Bruins' previous championships came in stroke play eras (1988, 2008).

Strokeslab Perspective

Koivun's ball-striking pedigree — praised even by his own coach — is precisely the foundation that translates to strong SG: Approach numbers at the Tour level. His transition to professional golf will be one of the most data-rich storylines to track in 2026.