Blayne Barber, Auburn's redshirt sophomore golfer, almost never made it to the Plains.
Just a few years ago, he was at the University of Central Florida with no intentions of transferring.
The No. 8 men's golf team owes much of its success to Barber, as he leads the team in subpar rounds and is tied for second for rounds at par or better.
Previously, Barber tied for fifth place at the Jerry Pate National, made third place at the Carpet Capital Collegiate and tied for first place at the Bridgestone Collegiate with the Tigers.
For all his success on the golf course, Barber owes much of it to coach Nick Clinard, who recruited Barber out of high school for Central Florida.
"I think his work ethic in the classroom and on the golf course is outstanding," Clinard said.
Despite the praise, Barber said the best way to win tournaments is by simply going step by step.
"I really don't do anything special or out of the norm," Barber said, "You'll do well if you just relax."
Clinard, who has coached Barber for four years, was lured away from his head coaching position at UCF and is now in his second year as Auburn's head coach.
Barber promptly followed him.
Barber's freshman year at UCF during the 2008-2009 season ended with him leading the team in scoring average with 71.14.
That year, the Clinard-coached Knights won the Conference USA Championship.
With Clinard playing such a major role in his rise to prominence, Barber felt obligated to transfer.
"I really just came because he was coming up here," Barber said, "I thought he was a great guy. I thought he was a great coach that had a lot of knowledge about golf.
"I really don't think I would be where I am today without him."
Barber said he has found the transfer to be a good decision.
Not only are the Tigers in the top 10, but Barber has found the town and campus to be fun and interesting.
"I love Auburn, and I love the people, and I love everything about Auburn," he said. "The people here are genuinely nice."
Barber said he wishes to eventually become a professional golfer.
"I certainly want to be a professional," Barber said, "I'm going to continue to work hard and achieve."
Clinard said he has strong confidence that his protege Barber can succeed at the next level of play.
"He's a big-time player," Clinard said. "I think his future is bright and his potential is unlimited."
Barber is currently ranked in the top 10 in the world for amateur golfers.
The next men's golfing event will be Saturday, Feb. 11 at the Gator Invitational in Gainesville, Fla.
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