LSU made history for all the wrong reasons at this week’s NCAA men’s regionals, while Augusta continued its surprising postseason run and Florida State’s Luke Clanton threw his hat firmly into the Haskins Award conversation.
The Tigers became the first No. 1 seed to miss advancing to nationals since the current regional format was adopted in 2009. It’s a stunning development for a program that entered regionals as one of the favorites to win it all at Omaha’s Omaha Country Club later this month.
Augusta, meanwhile, is heading to nationals for the second straight year after another regional performance that exceeded expectations. The Jaguars, who made a Cinderella run to match play at nationals last year, continue to prove they belong among college golf’s elite programs despite their mid-major status.
What’s particularly interesting is how Clanton’s performance at regionals has complicated the Haskins Award race. The Florida State sophomore has been on a tear this spring, and his continued strong play has made what seemed like a two-man race between Auburn’s Jackson Koivun and Tennessee’s Caleb Surratt much more competitive.
The regional results have set up what should be a fascinating NCAA Championship, with several traditional powers looking vulnerable and a few emerging programs ready to make their mark on the national stage.
