Five players have been selected as finalists for the 2026 NAIA Jack Nicklaus Award presented by Workday, recognizing the top player in NAIA men’s golf. The finalists are Sam Dykema of Indiana Wesleyan, Antonio Juarbe of Coastal Georgia, Christopher Richards Jr. of Webber International, Iver Sokhan-Sanj of Keiser, and Felipe Suarez of Missouri Valley.

The winner will be announced June 7 during the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday press conference hosted by Jack Nicklaus.

Dykema, a junior at Indiana Wesleyan University, earned finalist honors for the second straight season after recording eight top five finishes and two wins. The West Chicago native captured victories at the NAIA National Preview and the SCAD Cup while finishing inside the top 11 in all 10 events this season.

Juarbe, representing College of Coastal Georgia, posted five victories and 10 top five finishes across 11 tournaments. The junior from Jesup, Georgia won events including the BMCU Spring Classic and the Bojangles Invitational while also earning Sun Conference Golfer of the Year honors.

Freshman Christopher Richards Jr. of Webber International University enters the postseason ranked No. 1 in Scoreboard powered by Clippd rankings. Richards Jr. claimed victories at the Currahee Club Invitational and the Carey Collegiate presented by Walk On’s while maintaining a 69.0 adjusted scoring average this season.

Keiser sophomore Sokhan-Sanj collected four victories and five top three finishes during the 2025–26 campaign. The Norway native highlighted his season with wins at the Sun Conference Championship, Music City Classic, Kona Ice Keiser Kup, and Jupiter Collegiate Invitational.

Suarez, a freshman at Missouri Valley College, recorded six victories and eight top two finishes in 10 tournaments. The Córdoba, Argentina native also earned Heart of America Conference Player and Freshman of the Year honors while carrying a 69.6 adjusted scoring average into nationals.

All five finalists are competing this week at the 2026 NAIA Championship at TPC Deere Run.

Sources:
GCAA Official Release