Handrigan Signs Two in 2021 Recruiting Class

NOTRE DAME, Ind. – Notre Dame men’s golf head coach John Handrigan kept the program trending upward with the signings of two prep standouts in the early signing day period. Owen Mullen and Kevin O’Regan officially became Irish after signing their National Letters of Intent.

“A huge day for our program to sign two elite players in the class of 2021. Kevin and Owen are very talented players with high character and will be great assets to our program,” Handrigan said. “They are both strong academically, very competitive and have a deep passion for the game, which is a recipe for success. I look forward to helping them grow as players and young men while we compete for championships.” 

Owen Mullen

Mullen will travel from Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada to South Bend next fall, adding some more Canadian flair to the team outside of Coach Handrigan, who grew up in Bracebridge, Ontario. Mullen is the No. 2 ranked golfer in Canada for the class of 2021, according to both WAGR and Junior Golf Scoreboard. 

Mullen is a three-time Nova Scotia Player of the Year and owns a total of five course records (includes rounds of 61, 61, 62, 63 and 64). This past summer, he posted a 69.25 tournament scoring average.

“A top-ranked player in Canada who was just named to his National Team to represent Team Canada. It’s an honor to represent your country and it speaks volumes of Owen’s game and character to be selected. Owen’s power is a huge strength, which will translate well to the lengthy courses we play in college golf. I will enjoy having a fellow Canadian on the roster,” Handrigan stated. 

Mullen has collected quite a few trophies over the past few years which include the 2020 Nova Scotia Junior Boys Championship, 2020 PEI Junior Boys Championship, 2020 MJT at Ken-Wo, 2019 MJT Atlantic Championship and the 2019 Minneapolis Junior Open.

The Nova Scotia native has made some history along the way as well. Mullen was the youngest winner in Future Links Atlantic Championship history, winning the event in 2018. He’s also the youngest player to make the cut at the 2019 Canadian Men’s Amateur. 

Kevin O’Regan

O’Regan won’t have quite as far to travel, as he’ll just shoot down the Indiana Toll Road to head to campus next fall. The Northbrook, Illinois, native attends Glenbrook North High School, where he was an All-State selection in 2019 and three-time All-Conference honoree (Central Surburban League). O’Regan was a top-30 ranked recruit but didn’t play in enough events in 2020, due to Covid-19 limitations, in order to maintain qualification for his ranking. 

“Kevin had an outstanding year in junior golf to become a top ranked player in his class. He comes from TPS Player Service in Illinois which produces elite players and Kevin is one of their best. He’s a fierce competitor who thrives under pressure. I can’t wait to compete alongside Kevin for four years,” Handrigan stated. 

O’Regan cited that the highlight of his prep career so far was leading the Spartans to a runner-up finish at the 2019 State Tournament, resulting in the school’s best ever showing. O’Regan later spearheaded another Spartan run in 2020 with a State Sectional Title before Covid-19 ended the remainder of the tournament.

Notable finishes for O’Regan include a third place showing at the 2020 AJGA Circle K, 10th at the 2019 AJGA Circle K, 10th at the 2019 AJGA Pinehurst Jr, 14th at the IJGA Illinois State Junior Amateur and 15th at the 2019 Southern Junior.

“Each year recruiting becomes more competitive, but with the exceptional help from Coach Gump, we were able to sign this top 2021 class,” Handrigan concluded.

— ND —