AUBURN, Ala. – No. 13 Auburn men's golf will begin its path to the 2023 NCAA Championship at home, hosting the NCAA Auburn Regional, May 15-17, at the Auburn University Club.
Thirteen teams and 10 individuals will battle it out in the three-day stroke-play tournament for a ticket to the sport's biggest stage. The low five teams and low individual from a non-advancing team will receive bids to the National Championship at Grayhawk Golf Club, May 26-31, in Scottsdale, Arizona.
"It's a treat and a privilege to host at home," head coach Nick Clinard said. "There's a lot of work that goes into it, so we're very thankful for all the support staff that has allowed us to have this opportunity. We want it to be a wonderful experience for all of the student-athletes that get to come to Auburn and play. It should be a great week with some all-around great golf on display for our community to see."
Auburn will begin Monday's round of competition playing alongside No. 1 Vanderbilt and No. 12 Tennessee with the first tee time set for 8 a.m. CT. Spectators are welcome as attendance is free all three days of the regional.
Teeing off for the Tigers will be the same six that saw action three weeks ago at the SEC Championship — senior Alex Vogelsong, juniors Carson Bacha, J.M. Butler and Ryan Eshleman, sophomore Brendan Valdes and freshman Reed Lotter. One man will begin the week as the sixth reserve player; however, postseason substitution rules will be in effect, allowing for the substitution of any individual into the lineup following the completion of a round.
In its 12 previous tournament berths under Clinard, Auburn has advanced to the NCAA Championship nine times. Last season, the Orange & Blue fought through the Norman Regional to claim its spot at Grayhawk and tie the third-best finish in program history at tenth overall. In 2018, Auburn recorded its first ever final four appearance before falling 3-2 in the national semifinals to eventual champion Oklahoma State.
The complete regional field at AU Club this year is No. 1 Vanderbilt, No. 12 Tennessee, No. 13 Auburn, No. 24 Colorado State, No. 25 Ohio State, Washington, TCU, Chattanooga, Houston, Marquette, Indiana, Augusta and Siena.