Sunday, February 8
Palmas, PR
Rutgers University
at
Palmas Del Mar Collegiate
Men’s Golf Finishes Strong in 5th Place in Puerto Rico at Spring Opener
Feb 10 | Men's Golf
Downes Finishes in Third Place Overall, Politano FInishes in 12th
PALMAS DEL MAR, Puerto Rico – The Rutgers men's golf team opened the spring portion of its schedule with a strong showing at the Palmas del Mar Collegiate, finishing fifth at the Flamboyan Course in Humacao. The Scarlet Knights were led by sophomore Argyle Downes, who finished third individually, and freshman Lucas Politano, who placed 12th in a field of more than 80 competitors.
"I hit the ball well from tee to green, and that gave me a lot of birdie putts and helped me keep the scorecard clean," Downes said. "I tried to stay really present and not think too much. I came in with a good game plan and stuck to it no matter what was going on."
Rutgers posted a three-round team total of 857 (-7) on the par-72 coastal layout, remaining in contention throughout the event against a competitive field. RU finished ahead of nine competitive teams and fought till the final hole finishing behind UNCG (-11), Southern Illinois (-15), TCU (-20), and Wake Forest (-26).
"Water always finds its level and the stock market always corrects itself," head coach Rob Shutte said. "We started to play to our abilities in the second round, and I'm not surprised because these guys are talented. Argyle led us this week, but it's been a different golfer leading us every tournament this year. It's no surprise we moved ourselves up, and there's a lot to be excited about as we move forward."
Downes and Politano helped spark the Scarlet Knights in the second round, combining to lead Rutgers to a 12-under-par team round on Monday.
Downes turned in one of the top performances of the tournament, carding rounds of 71, 68, and 70 to finish at 7-under par (209). The sophomore stayed steady all week, managing the challenging course conditions while capitalizing on scoring opportunities to remain near the top of the leaderboard.
"Argyle was just so consistent throughout the tournament," Shutte said. "Through the first two rounds, he only had one bogey. He was patient, put the ball in play, and was great with his putter. His maturity has been impressive, especially in how he's learning to control the golf ball."
Politano continued his strong start to the season with rounds of 75, 66, and 71, finishing at 4-under par (212) and securing a top-12 finish. His second-round 6-under 66 was one of the lowest rounds of the tournament and helped propel Rutgers up the team standings.
"Lucas and I were actually roommates this week," Downes said with a laugh. "We really had it clicking. We were happy to get out of the cold weather and play well out here."
Rutgers received solid contributions throughout the lineup, posting team rounds of 298, 276, and 283 over the three days. The second-round finish of 276 marked the Scarlet Knights' lowest round of the tournament and played a key role in the top-five finish.
In the final round, Jeffrey Zatorski and Bennett Espenshade each posted 1-under 71s, finishing tied for 40th (218) and 47th (220), respectively. Luke Koenig added an even-par 72 on Tuesday, while Daniel Martinez Regal finished tied for 65th at +9.
Downes highlighted the moment on the final hole that capped his week.
"On the last hole I was coming off a birdie, and I hit a really good tee shot to stay in the top five," Downes said. "Luke was waiting for me to finish so he could make his putt on a par 3, and that really pumped me up."
The tournament provided valuable experience for the Scarlet Knights as they continue to build momentum heading into the heart of the spring season.
Rutgers will return to action next at the Colleton River Collegiate in Bluffton, South Carolina, looking to carry the positive momentum from its energetic performance in Puerto Rico.
"We have a really good team, and when it all clicks at the same time, I think we can compete with anyone," Downes said. "It's going to be a great spring season."
Below is the finish for each Scarlet Knight in the event.
5 Rutgers 857 298 276 283
T3 Argyle Downes 209-7 71-1 68-4 70-2
T12 Lucas Politano 212-4 75+3 66-6 71-1
T40 Jeffrey Zatorski 218+2 75+3 72E 71-1
T47 Bennett Espenshade 220+4 77+5 72E 71-1
T55 Luke Koenig 222+6 80+8 70-2 72E
"I hit the ball well from tee to green, and that gave me a lot of birdie putts and helped me keep the scorecard clean," Downes said. "I tried to stay really present and not think too much. I came in with a good game plan and stuck to it no matter what was going on."
Rutgers posted a three-round team total of 857 (-7) on the par-72 coastal layout, remaining in contention throughout the event against a competitive field. RU finished ahead of nine competitive teams and fought till the final hole finishing behind UNCG (-11), Southern Illinois (-15), TCU (-20), and Wake Forest (-26).
"Water always finds its level and the stock market always corrects itself," head coach Rob Shutte said. "We started to play to our abilities in the second round, and I'm not surprised because these guys are talented. Argyle led us this week, but it's been a different golfer leading us every tournament this year. It's no surprise we moved ourselves up, and there's a lot to be excited about as we move forward."
Downes and Politano helped spark the Scarlet Knights in the second round, combining to lead Rutgers to a 12-under-par team round on Monday.
Downes turned in one of the top performances of the tournament, carding rounds of 71, 68, and 70 to finish at 7-under par (209). The sophomore stayed steady all week, managing the challenging course conditions while capitalizing on scoring opportunities to remain near the top of the leaderboard.
"Argyle was just so consistent throughout the tournament," Shutte said. "Through the first two rounds, he only had one bogey. He was patient, put the ball in play, and was great with his putter. His maturity has been impressive, especially in how he's learning to control the golf ball."
Politano continued his strong start to the season with rounds of 75, 66, and 71, finishing at 4-under par (212) and securing a top-12 finish. His second-round 6-under 66 was one of the lowest rounds of the tournament and helped propel Rutgers up the team standings.
"Lucas and I were actually roommates this week," Downes said with a laugh. "We really had it clicking. We were happy to get out of the cold weather and play well out here."
Rutgers received solid contributions throughout the lineup, posting team rounds of 298, 276, and 283 over the three days. The second-round finish of 276 marked the Scarlet Knights' lowest round of the tournament and played a key role in the top-five finish.
In the final round, Jeffrey Zatorski and Bennett Espenshade each posted 1-under 71s, finishing tied for 40th (218) and 47th (220), respectively. Luke Koenig added an even-par 72 on Tuesday, while Daniel Martinez Regal finished tied for 65th at +9.
Downes highlighted the moment on the final hole that capped his week.
"On the last hole I was coming off a birdie, and I hit a really good tee shot to stay in the top five," Downes said. "Luke was waiting for me to finish so he could make his putt on a par 3, and that really pumped me up."
The tournament provided valuable experience for the Scarlet Knights as they continue to build momentum heading into the heart of the spring season.
Rutgers will return to action next at the Colleton River Collegiate in Bluffton, South Carolina, looking to carry the positive momentum from its energetic performance in Puerto Rico.
"We have a really good team, and when it all clicks at the same time, I think we can compete with anyone," Downes said. "It's going to be a great spring season."
Below is the finish for each Scarlet Knight in the event.
5 Rutgers 857 298 276 283
T3 Argyle Downes 209-7 71-1 68-4 70-2
T12 Lucas Politano 212-4 75+3 66-6 71-1
T40 Jeffrey Zatorski 218+2 75+3 72E 71-1
T47 Bennett Espenshade 220+4 77+5 72E 71-1
T55 Luke Koenig 222+6 80+8 70-2 72E
Players Mentioned
/ Men's Golf
/ Men's Golf
/ Men's Golf
/ Men's Golf
/ Men's Golf
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