Freshman Lucas Politano made a statement in Wisconsin, finishing inside the top 10 at the Marquette Intercollegiate with rounds of 77-74-71 (222, +6). Battling tough conditions and a deep field, Politano's performance signaled the emergence of a rising star for the Scarlet Knights.
Finding his rhythm as the tournament progressed, Politano climbed the leaderboard each day to secure a tenth-place finish among 90 golfers. His consistency and composure helped set the tone for Rutgers throughout the event.
"The first day had winds up to 35 miles per hour, and the second wasn't much easier," said Politano. "After the rain softened things up on the final day, it felt like we played three completely different courses. I'm proud of the way I battled through it all."
The Scarlet Knights stayed resilient through difficult scoring stretches, continuing to compete across all three rounds. Graduate transfer Jeffrey Zatorski (229, +13), and sophomores Argyle Downes (231, +15) and Bennett Espenshade (230, +14) provided key contributions as Rutgers posted a team total of 1,387 (+45).
Head coach Rob Shutte said the challenging Erin Hills layout, host of the 2017 U.S. Open, demanded precision and patience from every player.
"This course really exposed everyone's weaknesses," Shutte said. "It came down to course management and putting yourself in the right spots. Every team left here a little frustrated, but that's how you learn. We saw where we stand, and we're close."
With swirling winds and firm greens testing every aspect of their games, the tournament became a true measure of control and resilience.
"It really tested how well players could control the golf ball and handle pressure," Shutte added. "There was no margin for error—it pushed our strengths and showed where we can keep improving."
Politano said he's confident the team will build on this performance heading into the next event.
"It's part of that Jersey grit—everything's not always going to go great, but how you face adversity is what gets you through it and onto the next," Politano said.
Rutgers will now turn its attention to the Quail Valley Collegiate Invitational, set for Sunday, October 20 to Monday, October 21 in Vero Beach, Florida.
