AUBURN, Ala. – Both Auburn golf programs have a representative in the season's opening round of Palmer Cup rankings as Megan Schofill and Brendan Valdes are tabbed eighth and 19th, on their respective United States leaderboard.
The Tigers are one of just four programs to have at least one man and one woman ranked in the top-25 for the United States.
Schofill looks to make a third-consecutive appearance in the Red, White and Blue after posting a 70.40 scoring average over the fall which is the fourth-best total in the Southeastern Conference. The start to the senior's season was highlighted by the third individual victory of her career at the Mason Rudolph Championship in September after firing a 207 (-9).
The Monticello, Florida native posted a 7-under 65 during the second round of the Women's Illini Invitational, which is tied for second in program history for lowest 18-hole score. Schofill also tied the second-best tally for 54-hole score in Auburn history at the same event with a 205 (-11). In her 85 rounds played for the Tigers, Schofill currently holds the lowest career scoring average in school history with a 72.08.
"The Arnold Palmer Cup is one of the most highly-desired events to qualify for in collegiate golf," Auburn women's golf head coach Melissa Luellen said. "Megan has been selected for the team twice already, and I would love for her to make it again. Her plan is to keep working hard every day to get better at her sport. She has a lot of golf ahead of her before the rankings are final, and I am confident that she will continue her good play and have an opportunity to make the team."
Valdes continues to build off a stellar freshman slate from a year ago, hitting the ground running with top-five finishes in three of four outings and a 227-31-8 head-to-head record.
The Orlando, Florida product garners national attention fresh off the first individual win of his career after carding a 206 (-10) at the Isleworth Collegiate. The sophomore also captured his first SEC Golfer of the Week honor following his win to close out the fall.
Amongst SEC competitors who've played a minimum of 12 rounds this season, Valdes checks in at No. 1 in the scoring average rankings at a 68.92 strokes per round clip. Over 37 career frames, he boasts a 71.22 career average behind five top-10 finishes, 18 rounds below par and 15 rounds in the 60s.
"Brendan possesses such a raw, natural talent that a lot of players spend years working toward," Auburn men's golf head coach Nick Clinard said. "His talents are greatly complimented by his positive mentality and work ethic. We're so proud of him earning a spot on this list because we know it is truly deserved. He has many goals left to check off his list this season, and I know he will not be satisfied ending the year at No. 19 on this list."
The Palmer Cup is a Ryder Cup-style tournament featuring the top men's and women's college golfers, matching the United States against a team of international players. The top six golfers from the final rankings for both the United States and International teams will be selected to compete in the tournament while the remaining six spots for each team are selected by a committee and a coaches pick.
The Palmer Cup rankings uses Golfstat's NCAA Player Ranking as a base, then awards bonus points for wins and high finishes as well as factor in penalties for poor finishes. The player's strength of schedule is also considered in the rankings.
The GCAA will make an official announcement in late spring, naming the 12 men and 12 women who are selected to play in this year's event June 8-10 at Laurel Valley Golf Club outside of Ligonier, Pennsylvania.
