In a match between college golf's top teams, No. 1 Auburn grabbed an early lead and never let up, defeating No. 2 Vanderbilt 3-2 to win the 2024 SEC Championship Sunday at Sea Island Golf Club.
n a match between college golf's top teams, No. 1 Auburn grabbed an early lead and never let up, defeating No. 2 Vanderbilt 3-2 to win the 2024 SEC Championship Sunday at Sea Island Golf Club.
"Wow, what a week," said Auburn coach Nick Clinard. "Match play is so difficult, especially when you're playing teams that have some of the best players in the world. We got on them early and we stayed there, we hung tough. Our guys were very motivated, they got some good rest last night."
With two matches secured, freshman Josiah Gilbert clinched the conference championship for Auburn by defeating defending NCAA medalist Gordon Sargent 4-up. The match ended on hole No. 16 when Sargent, trailing by three and needing to win out, conceded the point after missing a long par putt.
"There's no bigger stage in the SEC. It's a great place to show what you've worked for," said Gilbert, who lost the first hole before winning the next four to seize control of the match. "I'm happy for the team. Soak it in, enjoy it, then eyes up to nationals. We've got a bigger picture ahead of us now."