AUSTIN, Texas – The Notre Dame Fighting Irish men’s golf program continues their postseason run, finishing third as a team in the NCAA Austin Regional, hosted at the University of Texas Golf Club May 13-15.
Placing amongst the top five in the regional, the Irish will advance to the NCAA DI Men’s Golf National Championship where they will compete at the Omni La Costa Resort and Spa May 24-29 in Carlsbad, CA. This will be the first NCAA Championship appearance for the men’s team since the regional format was adopted in 1989. The Irish last competed in the NCAA Championship in 1966.
“NCAA Regionals is a type of pressure that’s unlike any tournament we play in all year,” said Head Coach and Director of Golf John Handrigan. “It’s play well or your season is over. Our team’s process at home leading up to this week was phenomenal. They were sharp when we arrived and knew exactly what to expect from the golf course. Today was a big challenge and everyone took it head on. We played to win and that mentality helped us secure a spot in the NCAA Championship. The boys gave me the best birthday present today.”
The Irish posted a team score of 846 (-6) to secure their top-three finish. Notre Dame’s strong start in round one was key to their success. The team shot nine under with a collective score of 275 to sit in second place after day one. Graduate Palmer Jackson had an impressive start for the Irish, as he was tied for first after round one with a score of 67 (-4). He was followed by Angelo Marcon, who finished with a 68 (-3) in round one.
“Every player in our lineup contributed to this great accomplishment,” said Handrigan. “Palmer and Angelo had exceptionally low rounds day one on a very difficult course, which got us off to a great start.”
While the Irish dropped to third after round two, their perseverance in the final round allowed them to maintain their third place spot to land them in the advancing top five.
“Jacob battled so hard today and his last eight holes, when we needed it the most, were awesome – he’s a clutch player.” said Handrigan. “Rocco played with a lot of poise all week, especially with it being his first regional. His top-ten finish shows we can have anyone in our lineup lead our team any given week. And how about Nate Stevens today? What a big time round from an elite player. He finished with a hole out on 17 for eagle and then rolled in a 30-footer on 18 for birdie. I’ve never seen anything like that in my 25 years of coaching.”
Rocco Salvitti led the way for the Irish with his second-best finish of the season. Salvitti placed ninth, shooting a 70, 70, 72 for a final score of 211 (-2). The freshman recorded 11 birdies in the tournament. Sophomore Nate Stevens and freshman Jacob Modleski tabbed top-15 finishes as well. Stevens finished T12, shooting a 212 (-1) with 12 birdies and an eagle. Modleski finished T15 and also recorded 12 birdies.
Full results from the NCAA Austin Regional can be found here.
