BILOXI, Miss. – No. 1 Auburn men's golf opened the penultimate event of its fall season, the Fallen Oak Collegiate Invitational, with a 6-under 282 Sunday at Fallen Oak Golf Club in Biloxi, Mississippi. After one round of competition, the Tigers hold steady in second place, trailing No. 10 Mississippi State by six shots.
"Got off to a bit of a slow start today and started to get into a rhythm as the day came to an end," Auburn head coach Nick Clinard said. "Technically, I saw too many miscues with our putting and overall ball control, but what we really need moving forward is more enthusiasm and passion. I have no doubt these guys will come out ready to play tomorrow."
Freshman Jackson Koivun led the team in the opener as he carded a 4-under 68. Koivun's back nine consisted of one double and five birdies, including three in a row on 1, 2 and 3. He is tied for third, individually.
Senior J.M. Butler's 70 (-2) was a milestone round for the Louisville, Kentucky product as he became the fourth man in program history to record at least 60 career rounds below par. He joins Jovan Rebula (2016-21), Michael Johnson (2011-16) and Matt Gilchrest (2013-17).
In order, Auburn's remaining players, Reed Lotter, Brendan Valdes and Ryan Eshleman, shot 71 (-1), 73 (+1) and 81 (+9), respectively. Individual golfer Alex Vogelsong carded a 4-over 76.
For Monday's middle 18, the Tigers play alongside Ole Miss and Mississippi State once more. Vogelsong will lead off from hole 10 at 10:30 a.m. CT.
Auburn Players
T3. Jackson Koivun (-4)
T6. J.M. Butler (-2)
T12. Reed Lotter (-1)
T24. Brendan Valdes (+1)
T55. Alex Vogelsong* 76 (+4
T69. Ryan Eshleman (+9)
*- Individual Player
Team Leaderboard
1.#10 Mississippi State -12
2. #1 Auburn -6
3. #3 Ole Miss (E)
T4. RV SMU (+2)
T4. Southern Miss (+2)
T6. UNLV (+3)
T6. Louisiana Tech (+3)
T8. Colorado (+5)
T8. Kansas (+5)
10. UCF (+8)
11. Iowa (+10)
12. Wisconsin (+17)