News Summary
The UCLA men’s golf team achieved a strong second-place finish at the NCAA Auburn Regional with a score of 5-under 283. Despite trailing the host team Auburn, who scored 13-under 275, UCLA performed well among 13 teams. Senior Omar Morales led the team with a score of 3-under 69. The Bruins aim to maintain their momentum as they compete for spots in the NCAA Championships scheduled for May 23. Weather delays challenged the team, but they demonstrated resilience on the course.
Auburn, Alabama – The UCLA men’s golf team made a strong start at the NCAA Auburn Regional on May 12, 2025, securing a second-place position after the opening round with a team score of 5-under 283. This performance positioned them well among a total of 13 competing teams, although they still trail behind the leading host team, Auburn, which finished the round at an impressive 13-under 275.
The NCAA Auburn Regional is critical for teams aiming to qualify for the NCAA Championships, which will take place at the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, California, starting May 23. The top five teams from this regional, in addition to the lowest-scoring individual not part of an advancing team, will gain entry into the championship.
UCLA’s performance was noteworthy, with competitors from Georgia Tech and SMU following closely behind in third and fourth places, respectively. Georgia Tech recorded a score of 4-under 284 while SMU finished at 2-under 286. Purdue, Texas A&M, and New Mexico State were all tied for fifth place, each finishing the first round at even par (288).
Despite facing mid-afternoon weather delays, the majority of UCLA’s players remained on track to complete their rounds. Four out of five golfers completed their 18 holes before the conditions worsened, showcasing the team’s resilience under challenging circumstances.
Leading the Bruins in individual performance was senior Omar Morales, who delivered an outstanding score of 3-under 69, featuring four birdies and a solitary bogey. This score put Morales in fifth place on the individual leaderboard as the team heads into the subsequent rounds.
Another strong performance came from senior Pablo Ereño, who achieved a score of 2-under 70, placing him in a tie for sixth individually. Ereño’s round included three birdies and one bogey, contributing significantly to the team’s overall performance. Freshman Baylor Larrabee finished at 1-under 71, tying for tenth place, while sophomore Luke Powell recorded a score of 1-over 73, landing in a tie for 31st. Junior Kyle An concluded the round at 3-over 75, putting him in a tie for 55th.
Looking ahead, rounds two and three are scheduled for May 13 and May 14, with the Bruins set to play again at 5:30 a.m. PT on Tuesday. The team is eager to build on its momentum from the opening round as they aim to secure a spot in the upcoming NCAA Championships.
This year marks UCLA’s participation in its second consecutive NCAA Regional tournament, following a seventh-place finish at the Stanford Regional in 2024. The NCAA Men’s Golf Championships consist of six 54-hole regional tournaments that determine 30 qualifying teams and six individual competitors, all aiming for the prestigious title. The upcoming weeks promise an exciting race for advancement as teams and individuals look to showcase their skills on the national stage.
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Additional Resources
- UCLA Bruins Men’s Golf: NCAA Auburn Regional Recap
- Wikipedia: NCAA Golf Championships
- UCLA Bruins Men’s Golf: NCAA Regionals Announcement
- Google Search: NCAA Men’s Golf Regional
- BVM Sports: Men’s Golf Aims for NCAA Success
- Encyclopedia Britannica: NCAA
- ABC11: NCAA Tournament Field Overview
- Google News: NCAA Men’s Golf
