Five Finalists Named for 2025 Jack Nicklaus Award
Five Finalists Named for 2025 Jack Nicklaus Award
The Golf Coaches Association of America (GCAA) has announced the five finalists for the 2025 NCAA Division I Jack Nicklaus National Player of the Year Award presented by Workday. One of the most prestigious honors in collegiate golf, the award will be presented by Jack Nicklaus on June 1 during the Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio.
2025 Jack Nicklaus Award Finalists – NCAA Division I
Christiaan Maas (Texas)
Maas, a sophomore from Pretoria, South Africa, has been one of the most consistent players in the country. He owns a 69.78 scoring average over 12 stroke-play events, with one individual win, five top-five finishes, and eight top-10s. Maas has recorded 29 rounds of par or better, including 18 in the 60s, and was named to the All-SEC First Team. He is ranked No. 9 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking and No. 8 nationally. Maas was also a semifinalist for the Ben Hogan Award.
Luke Clanton (Florida State)
A junior standout for the Seminoles, Clanton has been a model of consistency throughout the 2024–25 season, helping Florida State qualify for the NCAA Championship Finals. His strong play throughout the spring elevated his national profile and solidified his place among the country’s elite.
David Ford (North Carolina)
Ford, a veteran leader on a top-five UNC team, earned his spot among the finalists after another season of elite-level golf. He continued to build on a strong junior campaign and was a key piece in North Carolina’s national title push.
Jackson Koivun (Auburn)
After sweeping all major collegiate awards as a freshman in 2024, including the Haskins, Nicklaus, Hogan, and Mickelson Awards Koivun remains at the forefront of college golf in 2025. His match play dominance and leadership helped Auburn secure the national team championship, and his steady scoring placed him among the nation’s statistical leaders once again.
Michael La Sasso (Ole Miss)
La Sasso emerged as a breakout star this spring, delivering a string of high finishes that carried Ole Miss through regionals and into championship contention. His all-around game and competitive edge earned him national recognition and a spot in this elite group.
The Jack Nicklaus Award recognizes the top collegiate golfer in each division (I, II, III, NAIA, and NJCAA) and celebrates players who exemplify excellence both on and off the course. The Division I winner will be announced during a press conference at the Memorial Tournament on June 1.
Sources
No. 4 Men’s Golf’s Maas named finalist for Jack Nicklaus Award – Texas Longhorns
Noles set for NCAA Stroke Play on Thursday – Florida State Athletics
Finalists announced for 2025 NCAA Division II Jack Nicklaus Award presented by Workday – GCAA
Jack Nicklaus Award – AmateurGolf.com
