Rutgers Men’s Golf Opens Spring Strong with Top-Five Finish in Puerto Rico
PALMAS DEL MAR, Puerto Rico - The Rutgers men’s golf team shook off the winter rust in style, kicking off their spring schedule with a fifth-place finish at the Palmas del Mar Collegiate. Playing on the scenic but challenging Flamboyan Course in Humacao, the Scarlet Knights showed they’re ready to make some noise this season - and it all started with a pair of standout performances from sophomore Argyle Downes and freshman Lucas Politano.
Let’s start with Downes, who turned in a mature, composed performance that landed him in a tie for third in a field of over 80 players. His three-round total of 209 (-7), built on rounds of 71, 68, and 70, was as steady as it was impressive.
Downes wasn’t just scoring - he was managing the course, staying patient, and capitalizing on the right opportunities. That kind of consistency is hard to come by, especially early in the spring, and it’s a sign that he’s growing into a reliable leader for this squad.
“I hit the ball well from tee to green, and that gave me a lot of birdie putts and helped me keep the scorecard clean,” Downes said. “I tried to stay really present and not think too much. I came in with a good game plan and stuck to it no matter what was going on.”
That mental approach paid off. Through the first two rounds, Downes made just one bogey - a stat that says everything about his focus and execution. Head coach Rob Shutte took notice.
“Argyle was just so consistent throughout the tournament,” Shutte said. “He was patient, put the ball in play, and was great with his putter. His maturity has been impressive, especially in how he's learning to control the golf ball.”
While Downes was the anchor, Politano provided the spark. The freshman fired a blistering 66 in the second round - one of the lowest scores of the entire tournament - and finished 12th overall at 4-under (212).
For a freshman to step into a competitive field and deliver a round like that? That’s a statement.
“Lucas and I were actually roommates this week,” Downes said with a grin. “We really had it clicking. We were happy to get out of the cold weather and play well out here.”
Rutgers’ team total of 857 (-7) over three rounds (298-276-283) was enough to hold off nine other teams and secure a spot in the top five. They finished behind UNCG (-11), Southern Illinois (-15), TCU (-20), and Wake Forest (-26), but stayed in the mix all the way through the final hole.
The second round was the turning point. That 12-under team score of 276 wasn’t just their best round of the week - it was the kind of performance that can shift a tournament. Downes and Politano led the charge, but the depth of the lineup showed up when it mattered most.
In the final round, veterans Jeffrey Zatorski and Bennett Espenshade each carded 1-under 71s, finishing tied for 40th and 47th, respectively. Luke Koenig added an even-par 72, and Daniel Martinez Regal wrapped up the tournament tied for 65th.
Downes capped his strong week with a moment that summed up both his confidence and the team’s camaraderie.
“On the last hole I was coming off a birdie, and I hit a really good tee shot to stay in the top five,” he said. “Luke was waiting for me to finish so he could make his putt on a par 3, and that really pumped me up.”
Coach Shutte was pleased with the way his team responded after a slower start in round one.
“Water always finds its level and the stock market always corrects itself,” he said. “We started to play to our abilities in the second round, and I’m not surprised because these guys are talented.
Argyle led us this week, but it’s been a different golfer leading us every tournament this year. It’s no surprise we moved ourselves up, and there’s a lot to be excited about as we move forward.”
This wasn’t just a solid showing - it was a momentum builder. The Scarlet Knights showed they can hang with strong programs and have the depth to compete across the board. With Downes emerging as a consistent presence and Politano proving he’s ready for the big stage, Rutgers has a foundation to build on heading into the heart of the spring season.
Next up: the Colleton River Collegiate in Bluffton, South Carolina. If this week in Puerto Rico was any indication, the Scarlet Knights are just getting warmed up.
As Downes put it: “We have a really good team, and when it all clicks at the same time, I think we can compete with anyone. It’s going to be a great spring season.”
Rutgers Individual Results - Palmas del Mar Collegiate
- T3 - Argyle Downes: 209 (-7) | Rounds: 71, 68, 70
- T12 - Lucas Politano: 212 (-4) | Rounds: 75, 66, 71
- T40 - Jeffrey Zatorski: 218 (+2) | Rounds: 75, 72, 71
- T47 - Bennett Espenshade: 220 (+4) | Rounds: 77, 72, 71
- T55 - Luke Koenig: 222 (+6) | Rounds: 80, 70, 72
- T65 - Daniel Martinez Regal: +9 overall
Team Total: 857 (-7) | Rounds: 298, 276, 283 - 5th Place Finish