The NCAA Division I Men’s Golf Championship field is almost set, with the regional battles leaving a trail of surprises as some of the big names dropped out and underdogs stepped up to claim their spots.
Among the biggest shocks was LSU's fall at Poplar Grove Golf Club in Amherst, Virginia. Ranked sixth nationally and the number one seed for the regional, LSU finished ninth, marking the second time they've missed advancing from this stage, the previous instance being in 2018.
The Tigers' stumble was played out under trying soggy conditions, which saw rounds extending over multiple days and most teams within a touching distance of qualification as play reached its final hours. Oklahoma clinched the top spot with a 10-under finish, followed closely by Vanderbilt, Tennessee, Wake Forest, and Pepperdine, who dramatically secured the fifth qualifying position.
Pepperdine, a fourth seed, overcame a rocky start to the season with timely performances from its athletes at critical moments. Head coach Michael Beard's belief in rebuilding has started to bear fruit as they pool through to the NCAA Championship.
Meanwhile, in Urbana, Illinois, Oklahoma State and Illinois cemented their spots among other qualifiers like UNLV, Troy, and Texas Tech. Troy's journey is especially notable, having turned a promising season into a stunning action-filled climax that saw them taking the final spot over a spirited North Carolina squad.
The Auburn regional witnessed dominant performances from hosts Auburn, who secured a significant 32-under par team victory, and individuals such as Jackson Koivun, who clinched the individual title. Texas A&M, UCLA, Purdue, and Georgia Tech also made the cut, advancing to the nationals after a grueling contest.
Over at Seminole Legacy Golf Club in Tallahassee, Florida State led the charge, outperforming Ol' Miss and New Mexico. The storyline completed with Augusta's fairy tale stride as they captured a seat at the national table under the leadership of head coach Steven Paine.
In Reno, Nevada, BYU claimed their first-ever regional title amidst peculiar weather conditions that saw dust, wind, and snow play a part. Virginia, Texas, San Diego, and California rounded off the day's qualifiers with strong concluding performances.
As the regional dust settles, these teams move forward to La Costa in Carlsbad, California, next week for the NCAA Championship. Current form and experience will be tested as the best schools vie for collegiate golf's ultimate prize.
