DURHAM, N.C.– A long-time resident of Orlando, Florida, Shutt’s connection to the team began at the 2004 NCAA Regional in Florida, where he witnessed not just the team’s exceptional talent but also their character. This quality left a lasting impression on him. He says that those attributes have never wavered and have continued year in and year out.
“That year the team played the NCAA Regionals at Mission Inn Golf Resort located in Howey-in-the-Hills (It is over 100 years old and continues to host many events), said Shutt. “One of Duke’s best players and a member of the Duke Athletics Hall of Fame was Virada Nirapathpongporn, better known as “Oui.” This was the final round and “Oui” had an uncharacteristic bad round. After the round a friend and I were standing near the scoreboard near the 18th green. “Oui” walked the 30-40 yards from the clubhouse to thank us for coming out and supporting the team. That sportsmanship convinced me that I wanted to be a supporter.”
Inspired by that moment, Shutt made it his mission to support the Blue Devils wherever they play. Since retiring, he has devoted a significant portion of his time to following the team, attending as many as eight tournaments each year. In the 2015–16 season alone, Shutt attended all 11 Duke women’s golf events, a true testament to his dedication.
Over more than two decades of following Duke women’s golf, Shutt estimates he has walked between 8,000 and 9,000 miles — typically covering 6.5-7 miles per day and 20 to 22 miles per tournament. His longest stretch came at the 2019 NCAA Championship at The Blessing in Arkansas, where he logged an impressive 47 miles.
He has been fortunate to remain healthy throughout his decades of support, with only one interruption — missing a couple of tournaments in the fall of 2019 after breaking his patella.
His travels have allowed him to connect with players from all over the world, especially international students who might not have family present to cheer them on. Shutt takes particular pride in being a welcoming presence for these players as they navigate life far from home.
“I get so much out of the relationship with the players and learning about their different backgrounds and cultures,” said Shutt. “Most of the golfers are already “world travelers.” It is great to see them bond in a cohesive team. I take particular pride in their academic successes and what they contribute to the university other than playing…
“That year the team played the NCAA Regionals at Mission Inn Golf Resort located in Howey-in-the-Hills (It is over 100 years old and continues to host many events), said Shutt. “One of Duke’s best players and a member of the Duke Athletics Hall of Fame was Virada Nirapathpongporn, better known as “Oui.” This was the final round and “Oui” had an uncharacteristic bad round. After the round a friend and I were standing near the scoreboard near the 18th green. “Oui” walked the 30-40 yards from the clubhouse to thank us for coming out and supporting the team. That sportsmanship convinced me that I wanted to be a supporter.”
Inspired by that moment, Shutt made it his mission to support the Blue Devils wherever they play. Since retiring, he has devoted a significant portion of his time to following the team, attending as many as eight tournaments each year. In the 2015–16 season alone, Shutt attended all 11 Duke women’s golf events, a true testament to his dedication.
Over more than two decades of following Duke women’s golf, Shutt estimates he has walked between 8,000 and 9,000 miles — typically covering 6.5-7 miles per day and 20 to 22 miles per tournament. His longest stretch came at the 2019 NCAA Championship at The Blessing in Arkansas, where he logged an impressive 47 miles.
He has been fortunate to remain healthy throughout his decades of support, with only one interruption — missing a couple of tournaments in the fall of 2019 after breaking his patella.
His travels have allowed him to connect with players from all over the world, especially international students who might not have family present to cheer them on. Shutt takes particular pride in being a welcoming presence for these players as they navigate life far from home.
“I get so much out of the relationship with the players and learning about their different backgrounds and cultures,” said Shutt. “Most of the golfers are already “world travelers.” It is great to see them bond in a cohesive team. I take particular pride in their academic successes and what they contribute to the university other than playing…
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