Michigan junior Nilay Naik opened his 2026- 2027 season with an individual title at the Virtues Intercollegiate, continuing a collegiate rise that began at the Division III level.
The Lake Oswego, Oregon native finished at 15 under with a career low 201 after rounds of 66, 66 and 69. His performance helped Michigan finish at 33 under and capture its third consecutive Virtues Intercollegiate team championship.
Career Highlights
• 2026 Virtues Intercollegiate individual champion
• Career low 201 at 15 under
• Started all 11 tournaments during his first season at Michigan
• 72.56 scoring average in 2025 to 2026
• 17 rounds of par or better
• GCAA PING Division III All America Honorable Mention at Pomona
• SCIAC Newcomer of the Year
• Two collegiate victories at Pomona
• Runner up at the Pacific Northwest Men’s Amateur Championship
• 2024 Oregon Junior Amateur champion
From Pomona to Michigan
Naik’s collegiate career began at Pomona, where he quickly established himself at the Division III level. He recorded six Top 10 finishes, won twice and earned GCAA PING Division III All America Honorable Mention recognition.
Naik told CGN that academics were an important part of his college decision. After his freshman season, he wanted to test himself at the Division I level and join a program where players and coaches shared his desire to continue improving. That led him to Michigan.
The transition produced immediate results. Naik started all 11 tournaments during his first season with the Wolverines and posted a 72.56 scoring average with 17 rounds of par or better.
Changing His Approach
One of the biggest changes in Naik’s development came from reducing the pressure he placed on himself.
During his interview with CGN, Naik explained that a break from golf during his time at Pomona helped him reconsider why he played. Instead of focusing heavily on future expectations, he returned to competing with greater emphasis on enjoying the game.
That mindset carried into his transition to Michigan, where he settled into the lineup despite the adjustment from Division III to Division I golf.
Breakthrough at the Virtues Intercollegiate
Naik began his junior season with the best 54 hole performance of his collegiate career.
He opened the Virtues Intercollegiate with consecutive 66s before closing with a 69 to finish at 15 under. His 201 total earned him the individual championship and helped Michigan secure an 11 shot team victory.
The title was Naik’s first individual victory at Michigan and third collegiate win overall.
Interview Highlights with CGN
Building Through Consistency
Naik identified consistency as an important part of his improvement. Instead of constantly changing drills or reacting to new golf advice, he began committing to specific areas of practice for longer periods and tracking his progress.
Michigan Team Culture
Naik described Michigan as a close group that supports one another despite the internal competition for lineup positions. He believes that dynamic, combined with the team’s talent, gives the Wolverines a strong foundation this season.
Junior Season Approach
Naik is avoiding specific statistical or victory based goals. Instead, his focus is on continuing to work, trusting his game and limiting unnecessary pressure over results he cannot fully control.
CGN Angle
Naik’s path from Division III golf at Pomona to winning at Michigan reflects a rapid progression through the collegiate game.
After becoming a regular in Michigan’s lineup last season, Naik opened his junior year with his first individual title as a Wolverine. His 15 under performance at the Virtues Intercollegiate gives him an early benchmark as Michigan moves deeper into the fall season.
Sources
Michigan Nilay Naik Player Profile