Irish Golfers Finish Strong, Eye Postseason After Boilermaker Invitational
The University of Notre Dame men’s golf team concluded its regular season on a high note, securing a commendable fifth-place finish at the challenging Boilermaker Invitational, hosted in West Lafayette, Indiana. The Fighting Irish showcased resilience and skill over the two-day tournament, posting a final team score of 843, which was nine strokes under par. This performance provides a significant boost in momentum as the team now sets its sights on the upcoming postseason competitions.
The Boilermaker Invitational proved to be a tightly contested affair, with several strong programs vying for the top spots. Notre Dame’s consistent play throughout the tournament, highlighted by an impressive second-round score of 272 (-12), allowed them to climb the leaderboard and secure a well-deserved top-five finish. This strong showing underscores the team’s potential and their ability to compete against high-caliber opponents as they move into the crucial postseason phase of their schedule.
Leading the charge for the Irish was freshman standout Mike Qiu, who continued his impressive debut season. Qiu carded a season-low score of 66 (-5) in the second round, propelling him to an 18th-place finish overall with a three-round total of 212 (-1). This marks Qiu’s second consecutive tournament finishing within the top 20, demonstrating his consistent performance and valuable contribution to the team’s success. His composed demeanor and skillful play under pressure have made him a key player for the Fighting Irish.
Adding to the team’s solid performance were sophomores Jacob Modelski and Rocco Salvitti, who both tied for 23rd place with an even-par score of 213. Salvitti set the pace for Notre Dame on the opening day, firing a remarkable 67 (-4) in the first round to hold the individual lead after 18 holes. He followed this with a solid 69 (-2) in the second round before finishing with a 77 (+6) on the final day. Modelski, displaying consistency throughout the tournament, opened with a 73 (+2) and then recorded a pair of under-par rounds (69 and 71) to secure his tied-23rd position. Their contributions highlight the depth and talent within the Notre Dame squad. It is worth noting that both Modelski and Salvitti competed in 13 events during their freshman year (2023-2024), indicating their experience and familiarity with collegiate-level competition despite their sophomore status. Modelski was also recognized as a PING All-Region Midwest Team selection in his freshman year and finished the season ranked #151 nationally, while Salvitti recorded four top-20 finishes in his debut season.
Juniors Nate Stevens and Calen Sanderson also played pivotal roles in the team’s fifth-place finish. Stevens carded a final score of 216 (+3), placing him 43rd overall. He demonstrated notable improvement in his final round, shooting a 68 (-3) to climb 25 spots on the leaderboard. Sanderson finished just one stroke behind Stevens with a score of 217 (+4), securing 47th place. His second-round score of 68 (-3) was a season-low and crucial in solidifying the team’s overall standing. The consistent performance of all five participating team members, each finishing within the top 50, underscores the collective strength and unity of the Notre Dame men’s golf program.
The fifth-place finish at the Boilermaker Invitational marks the end of a competitive regular season for the Notre Dame men’s golf team. Throughout the year, the Irish have demonstrated their capabilities in various tournaments, showcasing both individual brilliance and cohesive teamwork. Their performance leading up to the postseason reflects their dedication to improvement and their ambition to succeed on a larger stage.
Looking ahead, the Notre Dame men’s golf team will immediately shift its focus to the ACC Championships, scheduled to begin on Thursday, April 24, in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Their strong finish at the Boilermaker Invitational serves as a positive indicator of their potential in the upcoming conference championship.
The ACC Championships will present a challenging field, including formidable teams such as Boston College, Cal, Clemson, Duke, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Louisville, North Carolina, North Carolina State, SMU, Stanford, and Virginia. The Irish golfers will need to maintain their focus, consistency, and competitive spirit to navigate this high-stakes tournament. The experience gained throughout the regular season, particularly their performance at the Boilermaker Invitational, will be invaluable as they aim for a strong showing in the ACC Championships.
Following the conference championships, the NCAA Regionals await in mid-May, with the NCAA Championships scheduled for late May. The Fighting Irish will be aiming to secure a spot in these national-level competitions, further testament to their hard work and dedication throughout the season. Their fifth-place finish at the Boilermaker Invitational is a significant step in building the necessary momentum and confidence for the challenges that lie ahead in the postseason. The entire Notre Dame community will be watching with anticipation as the men’s golf team continues their pursuit of excellence on the national stage.
