Golf’s Tyler Spielman to Play at Auburn

10/9/2023

Brophy College Prep senior Tyler Spielman committed to play at Auburn University and play for the Southeastern Conference school. He will sign with the Tigers on Nov. 8.

“It is going to be a big step forward competing in the Southeastern Conference,” said Spielman. It is the best conference in all of college sports. It will be very competitive for a spot in every tournament. It will make me better.”

Spielman became a national recruit after his strong play in 2022.

He was named the Premier Region Player of the Year and the Arizona Golfer of the Year by the Arizona Republic after leading Brophy to the AIA Division I State Championship and winning individual medalist honors. He shot a state championship record 10-under par 60 in the first round and closed with a seven-under-par 63 to secure the win. He finished the 2023-23 school year as the No. 1 ranked high school golfer.

“It was pretty special to me,” said Spielman of the recruiting attention. “I feel like I was a late bloomer. I did not play very well in my sophomore year or feel I could compete with the higher level of competition. Being recruited by the top programs gave me some confidence that I had what it takes to do well.”

When asked what was the turning point in his transition, Spielman said he simply matured.

“I matured as a person, and that crept into my golf game,” recalled Spielman. “I also picked up some distance, which has helped. Once I started shooting red numbers from the back tees, I was comfortable and went lower.”

Before his decision, he fielded offers from 10 schools and eventually cut the list to Texas A&M, Florida State, and Auburn. He has a family history with the school as his grandfather, John Spielman, and aunt, Wendy Wood, graduated from the Plains.

“I have liked watching the Auburn football and basketball games since I was kid,” said Spielman. “I felt everyone was united as a community when I visited. The campus is beautiful. It is a special place.”

He also liked the Auburn staff of Head Coach Nick Clinard and Assistant Coach Chris Williams.

“The coaches had a big impact on my decision,” said Spielman. “Coach Williams was the No. 1 Amateur in the world at one point, and Coach Clinard has been at Auburn and had a lot of success. They brought their styles to the table that appealed to me.”

Under Clinard's leadership, the Auburn golf program saw one of the most successful stretches of its 75-year history during the 2022-23 season. The Tigers finished in the top 10 at the NCAA Championships for a second consecutive year and won five tournaments.

Spielman looks to add to his impressive resume. He won the Brophy Rodeo title this season and has two regular season tournaments on the schedule before he helps Brophy defend its team and individual titles.

“The team title is the biggest task for us,” said Spielman, undecided on his major but interested in studying business. “We are still trying to figure out how to play as a team. It is so different with golf since we play as individuals. But to come together and post five good rounds in two days of play is what we are working for to help us at state.”

Spielman is thankful to Coach Shores for the help in his development over his four years in the program.

“It has meant a lot,” said Spielman of Shore’s coaching on and off the course. “Coach Shores has been a good mentor for me. He helped me through the recruiting process and taught us life skills outside of golf. He is a good mental coach and that has meant a lot to me. Being able to play for something other than myself has been cool.”

Spielman will participate in the Brophy Signing Day Celebration on Wednesday, Nov. 8 in the Robsoin Gymnasium.