Rutgers University
Hoosier Collegiate
Men's Golf Finishes 9th at Hoosier Collegiate Invitational
Apr 19 | Men's Golf
Politano and Zatorski Lead the Way, Finish 15th
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Rutgers men's golf turned in a solid performance against a strong Big Ten-heavy field, finishing ninth overall at +49 at the 2026 Hoosier Collegiate Invitational, hosted by Indiana at the Pfau Golf Course in Bloomington.
Competing in a 15-team field that featured several of the nation's top programs, the Scarlet Knights held their own across 54 holes on the challenging par-71, 7,355-yard layout. Rutgers was paired with Maryland, Michigan, and Minnesota for the opening two rounds and used the experience to measure itself against conference competition.
"I am certainly proud of the way the guys battled through the harsh conditions," head coach Rob Shutte said. "It was a championship setup, as we will see at the Big Ten Championship. We certainly saw the elements between the wind and the rain and the firm fairways and firm greens. We were tested in all aspects of the game this week."
The tournament began with 36 holes on Saturday, where Rutgers battled through Pfau's demanding design and stayed within striking distance of the middle of the leaderboard heading into Sunday's final round.
Rutgers was led by Lucas Politano and Jeffrey Zatorski, who each finished tied for 15th overall at +5 to pace the Scarlet Knights.
Sophomore Bennett Espenshade followed at +11 (25th place), while fellow sophomore Argyle Downes placed 3oth at +13. Senior Luke Koenig finished at +19 (60th).
Rutgers closed the weekend with a composed final round to secure its ninth-place finish, capping off a consistent showing against a deep field that included Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Northwestern, Ohio State, Purdue, and Wisconsin. Kansas finished in first place (+20).
"I am proud of the guy's great attitude considering the elements," Shutte said. "I am happy and proud of Jeffrey and Lucas and the momentum they created this week heading into the Big Tens. We will have a great week of practice and get ready to compete in Oregon.
The Scarlet Knights will look to carry this momentum into the Big Ten Championships, which are set for Friday, May 1st, in North Plains, Oregon.
Players Mentioned
