Five Auburn Tigers Set to Compete at 2025 U.S. Amateur Championship at Olympic Club

Auburn Golf Dominates U.S. Amateur Championship Field

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – A strong contingent of five current Auburn men’s golfers will tee off this week at the prestigious 125th U.S. amateur Championship, held August 11-17 at the iconic Olympic Club in San francisco, California. The event draws 312 of the nation’s elite amateur players, all competing for the coveted Havemeyer Trophy.

The championship unfolds across the challenging lake and ocean courses of The Olympic Club. The competition begins with 36 holes of stroke play on Monday and Tuesday, narrowing the field to the top 64 players for Wednesday’s start of match play. The tournament culminates in a 36-hole final showdown on Sunday, August 17.

Representing Auburn are juniors Josiah Gilbert, Jackson Koivun, and Cayden Pope, sophomore Billy Davis, and freshman logan Reilly.Koivun stands out as the onyl Auburn competitor with prior match play experience, having reached the quarterfinals in 2023.

Adding to the Auburn presence, alumnus Dan Stringfellow (Class of 2015) will also compete in the championship.

several players earned their spots through impressive performances. Koivun received an exemption for qualifying for the 2025 U.S. Open. Gilbert secured his place as a top 20 points leader in the World Amateur golf Rankings (WAGR). Gilbert, Pope, Reilly, and Stringfellow all successfully navigated qualifying tournaments to earn their invitations.

Golf fans can follow the action live on Peacock and The Golf Channel, with coverage beginning at 5 p.m. CT on Wednesday with the opening round of matches.

Round 1 Tee Times (CT) – August 12

• Logan Reilly – 9:10 am (Ocean Course)
• Dan Stringfellow – 9:31 am (Lake Course)
• Jackson Koivun – 10:34 AM (Ocean Course)
• Josiah Gilbert – 10:44 am (Lake Course)
• Billy Davis – 2:46 pm (Ocean Course)
• Cayden Pope – 3:28 pm (Lake Course)

The U.S. Amateur Championship: A Launchpad for Future Stars

The U.S. Amateur Championship has a long and storied history of showcasing future professional golf talent. Many PGA Tour stars, including Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, and Bryson DeChambeau, honed their skills and gained valuable experience competing in this prestigious event. The championship provides a unique platform for amateur golfers to test their abilities against the best in the country and gain exposure to a national audience.

The Olympic Club: A Venue Steeped in Golfing History

Hosting the U.S. Amateur Championship adds to the rich legacy of The Olympic Club, a venue renowned for its challenging layout and demanding conditions. The club has hosted numerous major championships, including five U.S.Opens and one U.S.Women’s Open, consistently testing the skills of the world’s top golfers. Its strategic bunkering, undulating greens, and often-challenging winds make it a true test of golf.

What impact could national exposure at the U.S. Amateur Championship have on Auburn Golf’s recruiting efforts?

The prestigious U.S. Amateur Championship is heading to the iconic Olympic Club in San Francisco, California, and Auburn University is well-represented with five talented golfers poised to compete.This year’s championship, held August 11-17, 2025, promises thrilling competition and showcases the rising stars of collegiate golf. Hear’s a breakdown of the Auburn Tigers making the trip and what you need to know about their journey to the U.S. Amateur.

Auburn’s contingent: Players to Watch

Auburn Golf consistently produces high-caliber players, and this year is no exception. The five Tigers competing are:

Wells Hooper: A rising sophomore known for his consistent ball-striking and clutch putting. Hooper qualified thru stroke play qualifying.

jaxon Amthor: A seasoned senior and team captain, Amthor brings experience and leadership to the championship. He earned his spot through qualifying at a local event.

Brendan Valois: Valois, a junior, is recognized for his aggressive play and long drives. he secured his place via stroke play qualifying.

Luke Condon: Condon, a freshman, is making his U.S. Amateur debut, demonstrating the strength of Auburn’s recruiting class. He qualified through stroke play.

Graydon Forrester: Forrester, another sophomore, is a powerful player with a rapidly improving short game. He qualified through stroke play qualifying.

The Olympic Club: A Challenging Venue

The Olympic Club is a legendary venue in the world of golf, having hosted numerous U.S. Opens and other major championships. The 2025 U.S. Amateur will be played on the Lake Course, renowned for its demanding layout and challenging conditions.

Course Characteristics: Expect narrow fairways, thick rough, and strategically placed bunkers. The course demands precision and strategic thinking.

Historical Significance: The Lake Course has tested the best golfers in the world for decades. Its history adds to the prestige of the U.S. Amateur Championship.

Weather Considerations: San Francisco weather can be unpredictable, with potential for fog and wind, adding another layer of difficulty for competitors.

Qualifying Pathways: How the Tigers Earned their Spots

The U.S. Amateur Championship has a rigorous qualifying process, ensuring only the most skilled amateurs participate. Auburn’s players took different routes to earn their invitations:

1. Stroke Play qualifying: This is the most common pathway, involving 36 holes of competitive golf at various qualifying sites across the country. Wells Hooper, Brendan Valois, Luke Condon, and Graydon Forrester all qualified through this method.
2. Exemptions: Certain players receive exemptions based on their USGA rankings or previous U.S. Amateur performances.
3. Local Qualifying: Jaxon Amthor secured his spot through a local qualifying event,demonstrating strong performance within his region.

Auburn Golf program: A History of Success

Auburn University has a rich tradition in collegiate golf, consistently ranking among the nation’s top programs.

Recent achievements: The Auburn Men’s Golf team finished in the top 20 at the 2024 NCAA Championships.

Notable Alumni: Several Auburn golfers have gone on to prosperous professional careers, including Jason Dufner, a PGA Tour winner and former major champion.

Coaching Staff: Led by Head Coach Nick Clinard, the Auburn golf program emphasizes player development and a strong team culture.

What the U.S. Amateur Means for Auburn Golf & Player Development

Competing in the U.S.Amateur Championship provides invaluable experience for thes young golfers.

National Exposure: The championship attracts meaningful media coverage and provides a platform for players to showcase their talent on a national stage.

Competitive Planning: facing top amateurs from across the country prepares the Tigers for future professional opportunities.

Recruiting Boost: Success at the U.S.Amateur can enhance Auburn’s reputation as a premier destination for aspiring golfers.

Following the Action: Tournament Coverage

Fans can follow the 2025 U.S. Amateur Championship action through various channels:

* USGA Website: The official US