Four of Auburn’s finest are set to take center stage on one of amateur golf’s biggest stages. The Arnold Palmer Cup — a prestigious team competition that pits the best collegiate golfers from the United States against their international counterparts — will feature four Auburn Tigers in 2025, a remarkable feat that speaks volumes about the program’s continued rise under head coach Nick Clinard.
This year, the United States will be represented by an elite roster of players, and few schools have made as powerful a contribution as Auburn. J.M. Butler, Jackson Koivun, Macy Pate, and Anna Davis will proudly wear the red, white, and blue as they take on the world at Lahinch Golf Club in Ireland from July 5–7. Their selection not only reflects individual excellence but also highlights Auburn’s sustained dominance in collegiate golf, both on the men’s and women’s sides.
For Butler, this marks another milestone in a career filled with consistent excellence. A senior leader and staple of Auburn’s lineup, Butler brings experience, poise, and a competitive edge to Team USA. He has been instrumental in Auburn’s postseason push and remains one of the most reliable golfers in college golf today. His sharp iron play and ability to stay composed under pressure make him a valuable asset in match play formats like the Arnold Palmer Cup. It’s no surprise that he’s been tapped to represent the country on such a grand stage.
Joining Butler on the men’s side is freshman sensation Jackson Koivun, who has taken the NCAA by storm. A former No. 1 junior in the country, Koivun has quickly established himself as a star at the collegiate level. In his first year with the Tigers, he has piled up accolades and top-10 finishes, showcasing a rare combination of maturity, power, and finesse. He’s ranked among the top amateur players in the world and his inclusion on the Palmer Cup roster was not just expected — it was inevitable. His game travels well, and his fearless approach will serve him well as he looks to take down some of the best international talent in amateur golf.
On the women’s side, Auburn is equally well-represented. Macy Pate, a rising sophomore, has emerged as a steady force for the Tigers. Her consistency, short game, and ability to make clutch putts under pressure have earned her the respect of coaches, teammates, and opponents alike. Pate’s selection is the result of months of grinding on the course and in the gym — a true testament to her work ethic and competitive fire. She’s been a leader for Auburn Women’s Golf and will be a steady presence for Team USA in Ireland.
Then there’s Anna Davis — one of the brightest young stars in the amateur game. Davis already has an impressive resume that includes a win at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur, and her presence on this year’s Palmer Cup roster elevates the prestige of the team. Though still early in her college career, Davis has already demonstrated the ability to rise to the moment on the biggest stages. Her fearless mentality and creative shot-making will make her a thrilling player to watch when Team USA tees it up overseas.
Together, Butler, Koivun, Pate, and Davis embody the very best of Auburn golf. Their selection to Team USA not only reflects personal greatness but also shines a spotlight on the program’s ability to recruit, develop, and prepare elite-level talent for the highest levels of competition. Auburn’s coaching staff has built a culture where expectations are sky-high, and these four athletes have not only met those expectations — they’ve shattered them.
The Arnold Palmer Cup is more than just a competition. It’s a celebration of sportsmanship, camaraderie, and international friendship. Modeled after the Ryder Cup, the event features mixed teams of male and female golfers competing in fourball, foursomes, and singles matches. It is one of the few major competitions where men and women compete side-by-side, and it offers a unique opportunity for players to represent their country, their school, and the game itself.
For Auburn, having four players on the roster is a historic achievement. It underscores the program’s position as a powerhouse in the collegiate ranks and sends a message to recruits, fans, and competitors alike: Auburn is a destination for excellence. It’s also a source of immense pride for the university and its supporters, who continue to watch with pride as the Tigers leave their mark on national and international stages.
There’s also something to be said about the camaraderie and chemistry among the four. While representing Team USA, they’ll also be carrying the Auburn flag with them — supporting one another, learning from each other, and showing the world what it means to be a Tiger. That shared experience, forged through early morning practices, fierce competition, and relentless pursuit of greatness, will serve them well in Ireland.
As the calendar inches closer to July, all eyes will be on Lahinch Golf Club, where the 2025 Arnold Palmer Cup promises thrilling golf and unforgettable moments. With Butler, Koivun, Pate, and Davis in the fold, Team USA is not only stacked with talent — it’s got Auburn heart, grit, and excellence coursing through its veins.
Whether they’re draining putts, splitting fairways, or lifting the Cup in celebration, these four Tigers will be playing for more than just individual glory. They’ll be honoring the legacy of one of golf’s greatest ambassadors — Arnold Palmer — and adding a bold new chapter to Auburn’s rich golf tradition.
