PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers men's golf heads to Wisconsin this week for the Marquette Intercollegiate at Erin Hills Golf Course, running Sunday, October 5 through Tuesday, October 7.
Host site of the 2017 U.S. Open, Erin Hills is known for its championship pedigree, length, and unpredictable winds. For head coach Rob Shutte and the Scarlet Knights, the event represents another opportunity to compete on an elite course and continue building momentum this fall.
"For us, it's not just physical but mental," Shutte said. "It comes down to the little things—how the guys eat, hydrate, prepare their bodies, even how they wake up in the morning. The guys are holding each other accountable and pushing themselves at practice. As a coach, I'm proud, but I know there's still more we can get to."
Senior Luke Koenig will play a pivotal role in the lineup, bringing leadership and composure to a course that demands patience. For him, the week is about both execution and chemistry.
"We've built amazing chemistry together," Koenig said. "It's been growing not just over the season, but especially in the past few weeks. Whether it's qualifying, practice, or time spent off the course, we're really meshing as a team."
Koenig also acknowledged the challenges Erin Hills presents.
"It's hosted major championships and it's going to be a real test," he said. "You've got to drive it well, hit it solid, and set yourself up to score from there. Putting will be key, and if we can keep mistakes limited to bogeys, we'll give ourselves a chance."
Freshman Lucas Politano enters the week in strong form after placing second at the Canadian Collegiate and earning Big Ten Golfer of the Week honors. He says the team's qualifying process has only fueled his confidence.
"This week of qualifying really helped me continue to build my confidence," Politano said. "It's made a big impact on the team and in events, and I want to carry that with me the rest of the year."
Politano is also prepared for the challenge Erin Hills presents.
"The course is a beast—super long, really demanding around the greens, and the wind makes it even tougher," he said. "It's one of the hardest weeks, but I think we've got a great group of guys and we'll be ready for it."
Beyond the course itself, Politano pointed to the event's prestige.
"There's so much history here, and it's a super elite field with a lot of competition," he said. "This tournament has been circled on our calendars. Qualifying was really competitive, and you don't get to play courses like this often. It's going to be special."
Shutte emphasized that team chemistry and competitiveness have been central to Rutgers' progress this season.
"It's a close group," he said. "The guys go out of their way to support each other, whether it's a freshman or a senior. They're high-fiving, cheering, and locked in together no matter where they are."
Koenig added that the Scarlet Knights have embraced the challenge of a rigorous schedule.
"When the summer schedule came out, we knew this was going to be a competitive event," he said. "There will be some really good teams here, and we're excited for the challenge and what's ahead."
Before competition begins, Shutte reinforced what separates this year's team: accountability and preparation.
"They've been doing a much better job looking up to each other—how they practice, how they prepare themselves, even working beyond normal practice time," Shutte said. "As a coach, it's great to see them push one another on countless occasions."
The Marquette Intercollegiate will give Rutgers another chance to measure itself against elite competition and showcase the growth the Scarlet Knights have built throughout the fall.
