Winds, Rain and Tough Conditions Define Day 2 as Veterans Shine at VGA Grand National Tournament

Flight Champions Emerge at RTJ Grand National Lakes Course as Veterans Golf Association Members Battle Alabama Summer Weather

OPELIKA, Ala. | Challenging weather conditions tested the field on Sunday during Day 2 of the Veterans Golf Association (VGA) Alabama Tournament at the renowned RTJ Golf Trail at Grand National (Lakes Course), but several golfers rose above the elements to claim flight championships.

While temperatures were slightly cooler than the previous day, shifting winds and threatening afternoon storms created constantly changing course conditions for competitors throughout the round.

"One hole the wind was blowing out of the east, and on the next hole it was coming from the west," tournament organizers noted. "It added another layer of difficulty to an already demanding championship course."

For the weekend's top performers, however, the unpredictable weather simply became another challenge to overcome.

Leading the list of champions was Kristofferson Nunez of Destin, who captured the Veteran A Flight title with a score of 86. In the highly competitive Veteran B Flight, Addam Lupo of Fort Mitchell carded an impressive 78 to earn top honors.

David Beckner of Summerdale secured the Veteran C Flight championship with an 86, while hometown golfer Patrick Sanderson of Opelika claimed the No Handicap Flight title after posting an 84.

Heat, Humidity, and Tough Competition Define Opening Day of VGA Tour Alabama Tournament at Grand National

Veteran Golfers Conquer Sweltering Conditions as Flight Champions Emerge at RTJ Grand National Links Course

OPELIKA, Ala. | Alabama's summer heat delivered a formidable challenge Saturday, but the Veterans Golf Association's competitors proved equally determined during Day 1 of the VGA Alabama Tour stop at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail's Grand National Links Course.

With heat indices climbing into the upper 90s and humidity blanketing East Alabama, 58 veteran golfers battled not only one of the state's premier golf courses but also the demanding weather conditions that tested endurance throughout the day.

By the time players made their way back to the clubhouse, many shared a common feeling—relief.

"The heat was relentless," tournament organizers noted, as golfers relied on hydration and perseverance to navigate one of the most physically demanding rounds of the season.

Despite the conditions, several competitors delivered standout performances to claim their respective flight championships.

Leading the way in the Veteran divisions was Kristofferson Nunez of Destin, Florida, who captured the Veteran A Flight title with a score of 88. In one of the day's strongest performances, Trey Long of Opelika fired a 76 to win the Veteran B Flight, while Paul Wells of Canton, Georgia, secured the Veteran C Flight championship with an 87.

UC San Diego Women’s Tennis Lands Highest-Ranked Recruiting Class in Program History

Tritons Secure First Five-Star Recruit of Division I Era as Program Continues Rapid Rise in Big West Competition

LA JOLLA, Calif. | The future of UC San Diego women's tennis has never looked brighter.

The Tennis Recruiting Network released its annual recruiting class rankings Friday, and the Tritons earned the highest recruiting ranking in program history, checking in at No. 20 nationally among all mid-major programs. The recognition marks the second consecutive year UC San Diego has appeared in the rankings and further validates the program's growing reputation on the national stage.

After debuting at No. 23 in last year's rankings, the Tritons climbed three spots in 2026, becoming one of only two schools from the Big West Conference to earn a place in the prestigious rankings.

Auburn Equestrian Stars Shine at Devon Horse Show as Tigers Showcase Present and Future Talent

Auburn Riders Dominate Prestigious Devon Horse Show with Major Titles, National Recognition

DEVON, Pa. | The Auburn equestrian program continued to strengthen its reputation as one of the nation's premier collegiate riding powers as current athletes, alumni, and future Tigers delivered standout performances at the prestigious Devon Horse Show, held May 20-31 in Pennsylvania.

From Grand Prix podium finishes to amateur championships and equitation honors, Auburn's presence was felt throughout one of the most celebrated events in American equestrian sports.

Leading the charge was former Auburn standout McKayla Langmeier, whose remarkable week earned her multiple victories and some of the event's highest honors. Langmeier captured titles in both the $32,000 Devon Welcome Stake and the $32,000 Main Line Challenge – Two Phase, while also finishing second in the prestigious $210,000 Sapphire Grand Prix and third in the $32,000 Devon Speed Derby.

Her consistency and elite performances throughout the competition resulted in recognition as the Devon Horse Show Leading Open Rider, Leading Lady Rider, and Reserve Champion Open Jumper, capping one of the most successful showings of her professional career.

Current Auburn junior and All-American Ariana Marnell also delivered a dominant performance in the amateur ranks. The Las Vegas native earned victories in the $20,000 SJHF 1.45m Amateur Jumper Classic, the $3,750 1.40m Amateur Jumper, and the $3,750 1.40m Amateur Jumper Speed.

Marnell's impressive week was further highlighted by being named Champion Amateur Owner Jumper Champion and Devon Horse Show Leading Amateur Owner Jumper Rider, solidifying her status as one of the country's top amateur competitors.

The future of Auburn equestrian was equally impressive, as four incoming freshmen showcased their talent on one of the sport's biggest stages.

Jackson Koivun Caps Historic Auburn Career with Golfweek Amateur Player of the Year Honor, Turns Pro for PGA Tour

After a record-breaking junior season that helped deliver a national championship to the Auburn Tigers, Jackson Koivun earns Golfweek’s 2026 Amateur Player of the Year award and announces his move to the PGA Tour.

AUBURN, Ala. | The trophy case continues to fill for Jackson Koivun.

The Auburn All-American added another major honor to his remarkable collegiate résumé Friday when he was named Golfweek’s 2026 Amateur Player of the Year, further cementing his place among the most accomplished golfers in NCAA history.

Koivun’s award comes on the heels of a dominant junior season in which he won six tournaments in 14 starts, helping lead the Auburn Tigers to their second NCAA national championship in three seasons. His consistency was equally impressive, producing eight top-five finishes, 12 top-10 finishes, and a staggering 68.20 scoring average.

That scoring mark shattered the previous NCAA single-season record established by Colin Morikawa by more than four-tenths of a stroke, highlighting one of the most dominant campaigns ever recorded in collegiate golf.