Clemson junior Colin Salema continues to build on two seasons of steady development with the Tigers.
The Matthews, North Carolina native lowered his scoring average from 73.55 as a freshman to 73.09 as a sophomore. Salema closed last season with the best tournament of his Clemson career at the NCAA Arizona Regional before a summer highlighted by qualifying for his first U.S. Amateur at Merion Golf Club.
Career Highlights
• Two year starter at Clemson
• 73.09 sophomore scoring average
• Third at the Marquette Intercollegiate while helping Clemson win the team title
• T13 at the 2026 NCAA Arizona Regional at 7 under
• Career low 66 at the NCAA Arizona Regional
• 39 consecutive holes without a bogey at the regional
• Qualified for the 2026 U.S. Amateur at Merion Golf Club
• Opened the U.S. Amateur with a 2 under 68
• T19 at the 2026 Northeast Amateur
• Academic All ACC selection as a freshman
• 2023 Charlotte Observer Golfer of the Year
Developing at Clemson
Salema arrived at Clemson after a successful junior career at Providence High School in Charlotte. He started six of Clemson’s 10 team events as a freshman and had his score count in 14 of 17 rounds while in the lineup.
After his freshman season, Salema focused on becoming more detailed with his preparation. He told CGN that working with Clemson’s coaches, strength staff and psychologists helped him develop better habits. He also became more diligent with yardage books, pin locations, wind, putting routines and green reading.
That approach contributed to greater consistency during his sophomore season. Salema lowered his scoring average to 73.09 while recording five rounds in the 60s and 10 under par rounds.
Breakthrough at the NCAA Regional
Salema produced the best tournament of his Clemson career at the 2026 NCAA Arizona Regional.
He finished tied for 13th at 7 under, including a career low 66 followed by a 69 over his final two rounds. Salema also played 39 consecutive holes without a bogey during the tournament.
Salema described the stretch as relatively stress free because he rarely put himself in serious trouble, an approach that has become an important part of the way he manages the golf course.
The performance provided momentum heading into a summer schedule against some of the top amateur players in the country.
U.S. Amateur Experience
Salema qualified for his first U.S. Amateur alongside Clemson teammate Hampton Roberts. Salema earned his spot at Merion with a 3 under 69 at the Country Club of Landfall.
At Merion, Salema opened stroke play with a 2 under 68. He told CGN that competing regularly against elite players in college helped him become more comfortable in major amateur events and focus on his own game rather than the players around him.
The atmosphere at Merion also stood out. Salema recalled playing in front of large galleries during his first U.S. Amateur, making the experience even more memorable.
Interview Highlights with CGN
Starting the Game Early
Salema’s introduction to golf came at two years old when his grandfather gave him a plastic club. After participating in several other sports growing up, golf became the sport he wanted to pursue competitively.
Choosing Clemson
Playing college golf was part of Salema’s larger goal of eventually pursuing professional golf. Clemson had long been his dream school, and he said the opportunity to join the program made his college decision straightforward.
Lessons from Merion
One of Salema’s biggest takeaways from the U.S. Amateur was the importance of remaining steady on championship courses. Rather than trying to execute every shot perfectly, he has learned to emphasize mistake avoidance and keeping the ball in play.
Junior Season Goals
Salema is focused on producing greater consistency throughout his junior season and putting himself in contention more frequently. Winning his first collegiate individual title remains a major goal, along with contributing to a Clemson team victory.
Clemson’s Team Depth
Salema believes Clemson has its best team chemistry during his three years with the program. He pointed to the Tigers’ increased depth, work ethic and shared goals as reasons for optimism as Clemson works toward another postseason run.
CGN Angle
Salema’s Clemson career has been defined by steady development and an increasingly detailed approach to preparation.
After closing his sophomore season with a career best NCAA Regional performance and gaining experience at his first U.S. Amateur, Salema is using those experiences during his junior season as he pursues greater consistency, his first collegiate individual victory and team success with Clemson.