June 5, 2018
AUBURN, Ala. - The Auburn men's golf program turned many heads and left a lasting impression during its run to the semifinals of the NCAA Championship last week.
The Tigers tied for third overall with Duke following match play, the highest finish in program history. Auburn also ended the stroke play portion of the tournament in fifth, which was the best placing the Tigers have ever achieved, besting a tie for seventh in 1994.
Auburn knocked out defending national champion Oklahoma in the quarterfinals of match play before going toe-to-toe with eventual champion Oklahoma State in the semifinals before falling, 3-2.
The strong performance was no shock to the Tigers, however, as they captured four tournament crowns, including the Southeastern Conference title after defeating Alabama 3-2 in match play.
Here's what others had to say about Auburn's run and its state of the program after the 2018 NCAA Championship:
Arron Oberholser, Golf Channel Analyst
On Auburn's performance at the NCAA Championship…
"One of the biggest things that helped them out was winning the SEC Tournament. … Auburn was good all year, but to go out and beat LSU, Arkansas and Alabama, who were all ranked higher than them, I think that showed this young team, 'We can do this.' It gave them lots of hope and lots of encouragement to come out and here and do what they did this week."
On the future of the program…
"You have one senior that's leaving. You're the reigning SEC champions in match play. You've reached the semifinals in the national championship. The sky is the limit. They could be right back here next year without a doubt."
Steve Burkowksi, Golf Channel Reporter
On what the future holds for Auburn…
"The arrow is trending up for the Tigers, no doubt. Four of those five will be back in the lineup next year. We've seen a young man in Brandon Mancheno, as a freshman, almost win the individual title. That's pretty good to bank on the future and build as more recruits coming into your school."
On Mancheno's performance at the NCAA Championship…
"How about the showing this freshman Brandon Mancheno has put on here this week at Karsten Creek. A chance to win individually and closing out Oklahoma to send his school to the semifinals."
Curt Byrum, Golf Channel Analyst
On Mancheno…
"There is no wonder they recruited him at Auburn. He does not look like a freshman. He has a lot of confidence. That is not your normal 18-year-old right there. That is some performance."