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Auburn Tigers News: Golf heads to SEC Tournament, Bruce Pearl on Elyjah Freeman

ByMary Kate Hughes|
Mar 8, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Jackson Koivun lines up a putt on the second green during the third round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational golf tournament at Bay Hill. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images
Mar 8, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Jackson Koivun lines up a putt on the second green during the third round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational golf tournament at Bay Hill. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images | Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images

In today's edition of Auburn Tigers News, the men's golf team is headed to the SEC Tournament. In addition, Bruce Pearl shares thoughts on Elyjah Freeman

A year ago, the Auburn men's golf team won the SEC Tournament Championship, the NCAA Regional Title, and then the NCAA Championship. This week, they will defend their crown.

The Tigers are headed to Seaside Golf Course in Sea Island, Georgia, a course that is very familiar to the team. Still, the Tigers will face a tough field in their SEC foes, and head coach Nick Clinard believes the conference tournament could be a bigger challenge than winning the NCAA championship.

"It may be harder," Clinard said, per Auburn Undercover. "If you look across the board at our conference, it's just unbelievable. There are great players and coaches everywhere. Six of the top eight, 13 of the top 30. Welcome to the SEC, I don't care what sport it is. I think that's why these young men choose to come to the SEC is to play against the elite. We're looking forward to getting over there and hopefully have a good week."

Jackson Koivun, Brendan Valdes, Carson Bacha, Josiah Gilbert and Cayden Pope will play for Auburn with Ryan Eshleman serving as the sixth man.

Bruce Pearl shares thoughts on Elyjah Freeman

Two years ago, Auburn basketball head coach Bruce Pearl added Chaney Johnson from the transfer portal. Johnson previously played at UAH at the DII level and would have to make a big jump to the DI level. Quickly, Johnson was identified by his teammates and coaches as the hardest-working player on the team, and the big man played a vital role in getting Auburn basketball back to the Final Four.

Now, Pearl is hoping to work the same developmental magic with Elyjah Freeman. The guard/forward previously played at Lincoln Memorial University at the DII level, but after shooting at 59 percent from the floor and 46 percent from beyond the arc last season, Auburn coaches see a high level of potential.

"Elyjah Freeman has a chance to be special," Pearl said Tuesday, per Auburn Undercover. "He really does."

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