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 home.
“My ultimate dream is to play and win on the PGA Tour. I also want a great education. The support Notre Dame provides their student athletes was a major selling point in my decision. I want to attend a school that not only supports my dreams but also my values. I believe Notre Dame, its tradition of excellence, and emphasis on character, is the perfect place to help me achieve my goals. In addition to playing the tour, I want to win an NCAA Championship. Coach Handrigan and Coach Zedrick have articulated they are committed to the same goal. I look forward to helping bring Notre Dame its second NCAA Golf Championship.”
The 2024 New Jersey State High School Champion and New Jersey State Amateur Runner-Up, Pasternak was also a finalist at the Metropolitan Golf Association Junior tournament in 2023 and 2024. He qualified for match play at the 2022 and 2024 USGA Junior Amateurs, finishing tied for ninth in the latter tournament.
Off the course, Pasternak has posted High Honors throughout his high school career and is on the MHS honor roll. He is co-president of his high school’s Future Business Leaders of America club and volunteers with Special Olympics, N.J. Golf Foundation H.O.P.E. Program and founded the Golf Fundraising Tournament for Juvenile Arthritis.
“Liam has competed at the highest level for years now, going back to when he was one of the youngest players at the U.S. Junior in 2022,” Handrigan said of Pasternak. “His competitiveness and commitment is contagious. Liam is a leader and will push everyone around him to keep finding ways to improve while doing it the ND way.”
The final signee, Tsar is a native of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, and was the 2024 winner of the AJGA’s Arnold Palmer Invitational this past August. He also won the 2023 AJGA Greenwood Open and has served as captain of his high school golf team for the past three seasons.
“I chose Notre Dame golf because of the high level of collegiate golf and excellent academics,” Tsar said. “Also, the history of Notre Dame and the values that are instilled into the school body are very
worthy to be a part of. The warm welcome and great opportunity that both Coach Handrigan and
Coach Zedrick saw in me is something that I did not want to pass up and I can’t wait to be coached by them and grow not only as a golfer but as a well-rounded individual as well.”
Tsar owns the school record at Benjamin High School after he shot a 64 at the Bears Club to tie the record. This past summer he qualified and advanced to match play of the US Junior Amateur and placed fifth overall in the FSGA 70th Boys Championship in July. Other athletic awards include being named the 2024 Palm Beach County Player of the Year and 2024 Sun Sentinel Golfer of the Year. Tsar is also heavily involved outside of sports, and is a member of the National Honors Society and named to the High Honors Deans List.
“Pavel’s continuous improvement throughout his junior career is incredibly impressive,” Handrigan added. “It’s a testament to his work ethic and especially his resilience. His toughness on and off the golf course will be a positive influence on our culture. And his strength of character is simply top notch.
“This is an outstanding class that will continue to propel our program at the championship level,” Handrigan concluded.