Freshman Lucas Politano finished in the top 10 at the Marquette Intercollegiate golf tournament, held at Erin Hills in Wisconsin. Politano recorded rounds of 77, 74, and 71 for a total score of 222 (+6), securing tenth place out of 90 competitors.
Politano improved his position each day and credited his ability to adapt to changing conditions. “The first day had winds up to 35 miles per hour, and the second wasn’t much easier,” said Politano. “After the rain softened things up on the final day, it felt like we played three completely different courses. I’m proud of the way I battled through it all.”
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights team also saw contributions from graduate transfer Jeffrey Zatorski (229, +13), sophomore Bennett Espenshade (230, +14), and sophomore Argyle Downes (231, +15). The team finished with a combined score of 1,387 (+45).
Head coach Rob Shutte described the Erin Hills course as demanding. “This course really exposed everyone’s weaknesses,” Shutte said. “It came down to course management and putting yourself in the right spots. Every team left here a little frustrated, but that’s how you learn. We saw where we stand, and we’re close.”
Shutte noted that weather conditions made play difficult throughout the tournament. “It really tested how well players could control the golf ball and handle pressure,” he added. “There was no margin for error—it pushed our strengths and showed where we can keep improving.”
Politano expressed optimism about future events. “It’s part of that Jersey grit—everything’s not always going to go great, but how you face adversity is what gets you through it and onto the next,” he said.
Rutgers is scheduled to compete next at the Quail Valley Collegiate Invitational in Vero Beach, Florida, from October 20 to October 21.
