The GCAA announced the recipients of the 2026 Jack Nicklaus Award presented by Workday on Sunday at Muirfield Village Golf Club during the Memorial Tournament. The award recognizes the National Player of the Year across NCAA Division I, Division II, Division III, NAIA, and NJCAA. 

Division I: Jackson Koivun, Auburn

Auburn junior Jackson Koivun became just the third Division I player to win the Jack Nicklaus Award multiple times, adding the 2026 honor to his 2024 award.

The world No. 1 amateur recorded six victories, 12 top 10 finishes, and helped Auburn capture its second NCAA Men’s Golf Championship in three seasons. Koivun also won the Ben Hogan Award for the second time and finished the season with a program record 68.20 scoring average.

Division II: Max Barile, Florida Southern

Florida Southern’s Max Barile earned Division II National Player of the Year honors after leading the Mocs to their 14th NCAA Division II national championship.

The redshirt senior posted eight top 10 finishes, including seven straight to close the season, and captured his first collegiate victory at the Las Vegas Desert Classic. Barile finished the year with a 70.49 scoring average and was named Sunshine State Conference Golfer of the Year.

Division III: Jonathan McEwen, Washington and Lee

Washington and Lee junior Jonathan McEwen claimed his second consecutive Division III Jack Nicklaus Award.

McEwen led Division III with a 70.36 scoring average, recorded three victories, and finished inside the top 12 in all nine starts. The Portsmouth, Virginia native also earned his second straight ODAC Championship and was selected to represent Team USA at the 2026 Arnold Palmer Cup.

NAIA: Iver Sokhan-Sanj, Keiser

Keiser sophomore Iver Sokhan-Sanj became the third Seahawk to receive the NAIA Jack Nicklaus Award.

The Norway native won four tournaments during the season, including the Sun Conference Championship, and posted five top three finishes. Sokhan-Sanj recorded a 71.71 scoring average while helping Keiser secure six team victories and another Sun Conference title.

NJCAA: Abe Bignell, McLennan

McLennan sophomore Abe Bignell earned NJCAA National Player of the Year honors after a standout season that included four victories and the NJCAA Division I Men’s Golf Championship.

Bignell finished ranked No. 1 in the final Scoreboard Powered by Clippd rankings and helped lead McLennan to six team victories, including the program’s fifth national championship.

The Jack Nicklaus Award was established in 1988 and is presented annually to the top player in NCAA Division I, Division II, Division III, NAIA, and NJCAA men’s golf.

Source:
2026 Jack Nicklaus Award Presented by Workday Recipients Announced