SOUTH BEND, Ind. – At the conclusion of signing day Wednesday, the University of Notre Dame men’s golf team has announced the addition of three members for the Fall of 2025 in Peyton Blackard, Liam Pasternak, and Pavel Tsar. The incoming class hails from three different states and bring a multitude of experience to the Irish program.
“Recruiting to a place like Notre Dame means on-course performance, commitment to academics, being a great teammate, and having high character all need to be in place to thrive here,” Head Coach and Director of Golf John Handrigan said. “Coach Zedrick and I feel very strongly that all three players signing this week embody these characteristics at the highest level. We couldn’t be more excited to get them on campus in the fall.”
Blackard, an Indiana native from Fort Branch, will join the Irish after a successful high school career. A three-time Indiana High School All-State recipient, he is also an 18-time Golfweek Junior Tour winner at the Golfweek Hallf of Fame.
“I chose Notre Dame Golf because Coach Handrigan and staff continued to communicate and recruit me in a very upfront approach,” Blackard said on his committment. “I loved my visit to campus and could tell that Notre Dame wanted me and will be an incredible opportunity for me both as a student and a golfer.”
Throughout his career, Blackard boasts multiple first-place finishes, including at the Evansville Men’s City Championship and the 2023 Donald Ross Junior Championship at Pinehurst. In addition to his athletic accomplishments, he is a member of the National Beta Club and has been on his high school’s Distinguished Honor Roll.
“Peyton loves to compete,” Handrigan said of the incoming freshman. “He plays a ton of tournament golf and has learned how to win at every step along the way. Adding another player from Indiana who shares our values is a tremendous boost to our already strong culture. He’s not afraid of hard work and will lead by example from day one.”
Hailing from Morristown, New Jersey, Pasternak has dreamed of playing for the Irish for years.
“The University of Notre Dame has been the school I wanted to attend ever since I was little,” Pasternak said. “The alumni I met through the years always spoke with great passion and reverence about Notre Dame, especially Pete Bevacqua, who told me there is no place like it. From my first visit, meeting with students, faculty, and the golf team, I felt at…
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