Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze is facing some scrutiny—not just for the Tigers’ recent recruiting struggles, but for how he’s spending his free time. Freeze’s frequent golf outings have drawn attention, leading some to question whether his time on the links is coming at the expense of Auburn’s success on the recruiting trail.
The buzz began after a June 24 article by Matt Stahl of AL.com titled “Which SEC football coaches are playing the most golf in 2025?” In the piece, Stahl pointed out that Freeze had logged a score of 78 on the USGA’s Golf Handicap Information Network (GHIN.com), prompting curiosity about how often he’s hitting the course. While that might seem harmless, the timing raised eyebrows: Auburn had just lost commitments from three high-profile recruits in a two-week span.
As frustration built among fans, speculation grew that Freeze’s golf schedule might be interfering with his recruiting responsibilities. Some supporters took to message boards and social media, criticizing what they perceived as misplaced priorities during a crucial period in college football recruiting.
Adding fuel to the fire, AL.com reporter Peter Rauterkus followed up with a separate story titled “What’s the reason for Auburn football’s recent recruiting struggles?”—a question many fans felt was already partially answered by Freeze’s golfing activity.
According to GHIN records, Freeze played 11 rounds of golf in June and another eight in May. While his handicap sits at a solid 7.6, it’s worth noting that his previous low index was 4.5—suggesting he’s no stranger to the sport and plays frequently enough to maintain a competitive edge.
Critics argue that, in an era where recruiting is a 24/7 game, top-tier college coaches can’t afford to spend that much time away from building relationships with prospects. Supporters, however, point out that coaches need outlets to decompress and that Freeze’s transparency about his golf habits at least shows he isn’t hiding anything.
Whether or not Freeze’s time on the course is directly impacting Auburn’s recruiting remains up for debate. But in the high-stakes world of SEC football, even a hobby like golf can quickly become part of the larger conversation about a coach’s commitment and priorities.