SEA ISLAND, Ga. – No. 1 Auburn men's golf began its showing at the 2024 SEC Championship with a 6-under 274 Wednesday at Seaside Golf Club. The Tigers hold strong at third heading into Thursday's round.
Auburn trails leader Vanderbilt by five strokes. The Tigers will need a top-eight placement following Friday's third round of stroke play to advance to the match play stage of the tournament. Currently, Auburn sits nine shots ahead of ninth place.
Freshman Jackson Koivun led Auburn's round one charge with an impressive 4-under 66. Koivun bogeyed just twice on the day and finished his round with three birdies and five pars over his final eight holes. He sits tied for second place, individually.
Junior Brendan Valdes and freshman Josiah Gilbert were the squad's other two subpar players. Both men shot 1-under 69 with the help of three birdies. Valdes found his on 4, 9 and 16. Gilbert's came via holes 7, 8 and 17.
Upperclassmen Carson Bacha and J.M. Butler finished one shot higher with a par of even 70s. Bacha birdied twice. Butler made four.
For Thursday's second set of 18, Auburn will play in the 1, 2, 3 group alongside Vanderbilt and Georgia. Butler will lead off for the Tigers on hole 1 at 7 a.m. CT.
No. 1 Auburn goes 6-under to open SEC Championship in third
