Auburn sinks 20-foot putt to win SEC title over Alabama

By Brandon Marcello
Auburn Undercover
29 April 2018

ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. – The rivalry between Auburn and Alabama is never short and drama.

It was no different on the golf course Sunday.

Auburn freshman Wells Padgett sank a 20-foot putt on the final hole of the final match to knock off Alabama and win the SEC Championship in walk-off fashion.

The SEC title is Auburn's first in men's golf since 2002.

“Alabama is great. We just fought to the end," Auburn coach Nick Clinard said. "My anchor, Wells Padgett, was the anchor all week in match play. We had him in that hole because we knew his confidence level in that spot and we knew that he could come through in the clutch and, boy, did he ever.”

Auburn won the match 3-2.Padgett was tied up with Alabama's Jonathan Hardee heading into the 18th hole. Hardee nearly hit a hole-in-one on the 17th hole. On the 18th, Padgett fell short of the green and had to hit a chip shot on his third shot. Padgett's third shot was the amazing 20-foot putt to send Auburn into a jubilant celebration.

“That was the biggest putt I’ve ever made in my life,” Padgett said. “It was great being able to do it for my team. To do it as an individual in a tournament is cool, but doing it for your team is the greatest feeling.”

The conference title provides Auburn an automatic berth into the NCAA Regionals. The Tigers will find out where they're headed Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. CT on the Golf Channel.

Left-handed golfer Brandon Mancheno provided Auburn's its first point of the match against Alabama's Wilson Furr. Manchenor, also a freshman, won all but three holes and clinched the victory with a par putt on the 17th.

Junior Trace Coe defeated Davis Ridley 2&1. He also won with a par putt on the 17th.

“I’m really proud of the guys, not only the five that were with us but the whole team and those cheering in the locker room back home,” Clinard said. “This win is for all 12 of them.”

Auburn will celebrate the SEC title with fans by rolling Toomer's Corner in Auburn at 6:30 p.m. CT Sunday.