Men's Golf Adds Three-Time D-II All-American TJ Thompson via Transfer Portal
Jun 12 | Men's Golf
Senior arrives from national-champion West Florida program ahead of 2026-27 season
PISCATAWAY, N.J. — Rutgers men's golf has added senior transfer TJ Thompson, a three-time All-American from the University of West Florida, head coach Rob Shutte announced. Thompson joins the Scarlet Knights this summer and will be eligible for the upcoming 2026-27 campaign.
Thompson arrives in Piscataway with one of the most accomplished résumés in Division II golf. Over three seasons with the Argonauts, he climbed as high as No. 19 in the national rankings, won an individual title at the Bobcat Invitational, and was a key piece of West Florida's 2025 NCAA Division II National Championship team.
"TJ is an experienced player — three years at West Florida and a three-time All-American — and he comes from a great family down in Florida," Shutte said. "We hit it off from the first call. The conversation was easy, the visit was smooth, and he's going to fit right in with our guys. He's all bought into the Jersey juice and locked in on what next year can be. He's going to do great on the Big Ten stage."
Thompson built a steady track record of contention throughout his career, recording a sub-71 scoring average in each of his final two seasons and consistently posting rounds in the 60s. He enters his senior year as a proven closer with multiple top-five finishes and a national title pedigree.
"He looks like Jackson Dart, so I gave him the nickname 'Dart' — and he likes it," Shutte laughed. "Getting a good nickname right off the bat is always important."
AT WEST FLORIDA (2023–26)
Junior — 2025-26
The son of Ty and Sara Thompson, TJ hails from Florida. A few quick hits on the newest Scarlet Knight:
Thompson arrives in Piscataway with one of the most accomplished résumés in Division II golf. Over three seasons with the Argonauts, he climbed as high as No. 19 in the national rankings, won an individual title at the Bobcat Invitational, and was a key piece of West Florida's 2025 NCAA Division II National Championship team.
"TJ is an experienced player — three years at West Florida and a three-time All-American — and he comes from a great family down in Florida," Shutte said. "We hit it off from the first call. The conversation was easy, the visit was smooth, and he's going to fit right in with our guys. He's all bought into the Jersey juice and locked in on what next year can be. He's going to do great on the Big Ten stage."
Thompson built a steady track record of contention throughout his career, recording a sub-71 scoring average in each of his final two seasons and consistently posting rounds in the 60s. He enters his senior year as a proven closer with multiple top-five finishes and a national title pedigree.
"He looks like Jackson Dart, so I gave him the nickname 'Dart' — and he likes it," Shutte laughed. "Getting a good nickname right off the bat is always important."
AT WEST FLORIDA (2023–26)
Junior — 2025-26
- 70.7 tournament stroke average
- Ranked No. 25 nationally
- Seven rounds in the 60s; 16 rounds below par
- Six top-15 finishes, including three top-fives
- 70.6 tournament stroke average
- Ranked No. 19 nationally
- Seven rounds in the 60s; 17 rounds below par
- Seven top-15 finishes, including three top-fives
- Bobcat Invitational Champion
- 2025 NCAA Division II National Champion (team)
- GCAA/PING Second Team All-America
- 71.9 tournament stroke average
- Six rounds in the 60s; seven rounds below par
- Two top-10 finishes
- T-6th at the NCAA Division II National Championships
- GCAA/PING Honorable Mention All-America
The son of Ty and Sara Thompson, TJ hails from Florida. A few quick hits on the newest Scarlet Knight:
- Favorite food: Steak
- Favorite movie: Goodfellas
- Favorite song: "Bigger Than Life" by Lil Uzi Vert
- Golf fact: Once played 108 holes in a single day
Monday, October 06
Friday, February 28
Thursday, December 19
Friday, July 12
