GRAND HAVEN, Mich. – The University of Notre Dame men’s golf team closed out its first week of competition at the annual Folds of Honor Collegiate, Wednesday evening. The three day event saw the men finish fifth overall with a score of 863 (+11)and all five individuals place in the top-40 overall.
“I was very impressed with our team this week in a highly competitive field to start our season,” Director of Golf and Head Coach John Handrigan said. “We didn’t play our best final round but I’m very proud of how hard our team competed on every shot. It’s our Notre Dame Golf standard.”
After shooting par in round one, Jacob Modleski led the team with a fourth place overall finish of 207 (-6). The sophomore recorded a 67 (-4) on Tuesday before following it up Wednesday with a 69 (-2) to close out his first tournament of the year. Modleski’s play in Round two included six birdies, four of which came on the back nine to post the team’s best individual score of the tournament.
The Irish had three other individuals among the top-30 as Rocco Salvitti ranked 23rd with a score of 219 (+6), Nate Stevens was 26th at 220 (+7) and Christopher Bagnall finished 30th (221, +8). Mike Qiu rounded out the Irish competitors Wednesday with his score of 223 (+10) and 37th place overall finish.
“The best part is we are not even close to playing to our potential and, with our talent level, this team can win. It won’t be easy, as we have a lot of work ahead, but our student-athletes came to Notre Dame to be challenged and they embrace adversity. It’s going to be a great year,” Handrigan added.
While the team is excited about their success in the fall’s opening tournament, the program recognizes the importance of the Folds of Honor Foundation, the American Dunes, and the sacrifices of all who have served.
The men return to competition this weekend with an international tournament in Canada as they get set for the Canadian Collegiate Invitational in Coach Handrigan’s hometown.
“It’s a quick turnaround as we leave tomorrow for our next event in Canada but this team is hungry to compete,” Handrigan concluded.
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