The Auburn Tigers men’s golf team returns to one of collegiate golf’s most prestigious early-season tournaments: the Amer Ari Invitational.
This tournament is from February 5-7, all day, at the Mauna Lani Golf Club in Waikoloa, Hawai’i.
Hosted on the scenic yet challenging North Course of the Mauna Lani, the Amer Ari Invitational consistently attracts a wide range of national contenders, and the 2026 tournament will follow this common pattern, featuring seven of the nation’s Top 16 teams, including defending champion Oklahoma State, as well as other strong suitors like Texas, North Carolina, Arizona State, and Pepperdine.
For Auburn specifically, this event will be a critical first test of the 2026 spring season and an opportunity to see where this team stands when against elite competition.
After a strong fall season highlighted by multiple individual wins and impressive team performances, the Tigers enter the Amer Ari Invitational ranked No. 4 nationally and hungry to make their mark on a course known to be for players seeking a challenge.
One of the most notable topics for Auburn this spring is having both Jackson Koivun and Josiah Gilbert as players on the 2026 Ben Hogan Award Watch List, which recognizes the top collegiate golfer in the nation.
Koivun is the reigning Hogan Award recipient and currently ranked No. 1 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking, and Gilbert was a multi-winner in the fall. Each brings championship experience and elite skill to Auburn’s lineup. Their names being on the watch list not only shows their individual excellence but also brings increased national attention to the Auburn golf program heading into the tournament.
The Tigers’ 2026 spring roster combines both experienced veterans and rising stars. Koivun’s consistency and competitiveness makes him a huge contender, while Gilbert’s shot-making skills and ability to consistently post strong scores add depth to the Auburn lineup.
Historically, the Tigers have used the Amer Ari Invitational as a tone-setter for the spring. In recent years, Auburn’s best finishes have come towards the higher end of the leaderboard, including a third place finish in 2025 with a 58-under team score, a strong performance that showed the team’s capability to score and compete under pressure.
The Amer Ari Invitational is more than just about tradition; it is a proving ground for the competitors. With 20 teams competing in over 54 holes in Hawaii’s unpredictable weather conditions, every shot is vital.
In addition to the star power at the top of the lineup, Auburn’s depth could play a big role this week.
With a balanced roster and multiple players capable of strong performances, the Tigers are well-built to handle long rounds, shifting weather conditions, and the pressure of a difficult course, putting them in a strong position from start to finish.
As the Tigers prepare to tee it up at the Mauna Lani Golf Course, the expectations are high, confidence is building, and Auburn fans will be attentive in order to see if this group can challenge for one of the biggest early-season titles in college golf.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
Lila is a freshman majoring in journalism sports production. She started with The Plainsman in the fall of 2025.
