PISCATAWAY, N.J.- The Rutgers men's golf program hosted one of the best events of the year on Friday in the Hackberry Invitational.
The program was thrilled with the event as the Scarlet Knights welcomed a record number of guests and alumni.
The Scarlet Knights golf squad welcomed 124 guests including 24 alumni, donors, and members of the Rutgers golf family in the 18-hole event. The group of Rutgers alumni were the largest-ever to attend the event and ranged from the RU graduating classes of 50 years (1963-2024).
"The energy level of the whole day heading into the football game at night was the highest it's ever been at the Hackberry," Rutgers men's golf head coach
Rob Shutte said. "We already have some groups locked in for next year and it's going to be a hard ticket to get in the future."
PGA Tour winner and Rutgers golf alumnus Chris Gotterup was in attendance for the event. Gotterup brought his trophy for fans to celebrate and told stories about his time on the Tour so far. The golf program added some special games on the course at specific holes and made it a memorable event for the guests that attended.
The alumni who attended the event held at the Rutgers University Golf Course are listed below:
Bill Garbarini (1963), Curt Allen (1975), Steven Havran (1975), Bill Baird (1983), Jim Guerra (1985), Mark Giuliano (1988), Ryan MacDonald (2001), Tim Cadigan (2002), Eric Schecterman (2003), Mike Michael (2003), Brian Whitman (2004), Seth Hirschhorn (2007), Isaac Lim (2009), Jimmy Arbes (2010), Jack Panagos (2018), Matt Mourin (2019),
Oliver Whatley (2021), Chris Gotterup (2021), Bobby Weise (2021), Shayler Dance (2022), Jack Doherty (2022),
Xavier Marcoux (2023),
Luke Wells (2023),
Rhett Sellers (2024).
The Hackberry, now in its seventh year, is not only named after the most challenging and No. 1 handicapped ninth hole at the golf course, but embodies the qualities of the program, as the Hackberry tree is known for its' perseverance and ability to survive the harshest of conditions. Scarlet Knights golf fans should stay tuned for info for the 9th annual Hackberry Inivitational next year as the event continues to grow in popularity and tickets become harder and harder to attain.
The Rutgers men's golf team will continue their 2024-25 fall season as they travel to the Fighting Irish Classic in South Bend, Indiana on October 6th.
