The men’s golf team wrapped up its fall campaign with a seventh out of 12 finish, highlighted by senior Mike Rothenberg’s standout performance, at the Wykagyl Collegiate held at Wykagyl Country Club in New Rochelle, NY. Rothenberg tied for second and shot his lowest career round — a six-under 65 — as the Pioneers closed the season showing flashes of their potential despite an up-and-down fall.
Source: Contributed by Graduate Student Andy Trevino
Head coach Matthew McGreevy reflected on the team’s journey, describing the fall as one of growth and development for a young roster still finding its rhythm.
“The team started out well this season,” said McGreevy. “We struggled to reach our stride throughout the fall. We did not have a lot of consistency.”
Despite the challenges, McGreevy pointed to several bright spots, including the emergence of freshman Ronan Mooney.
“We were very happy with Ronan,” said McGreevy. “We have a fairly young team, and they are coming together nicely.”
Despite battling through difficult weather conditions, the Pioneers showcased their resilience.
“I feel we are getting closer to our ultimate goal,” said McGreevy. “We had tough conditions during the event, and the men handled it well.”
No player embodied that perseverance more than Rothenberg, who delivered a career-best round and led the Pioneers with poise.
“Mike has had a great career here at SHU,” said McGreevy. “It was awesome to see all his hard work pay off with that 65.”
For Rothenberg, the performance was as much about mindset as mechanics.
“It definitely felt great to play the kind of golf I know I’m capable of playing more often,” said Rothenberg. “The sense of freedom I got from that round was much needed. It was a good confidence booster for the offseason and a sign that I’m working on all of the right things.”
Rothenberg credited a calm, trusting approach as well as positive swing thoughts to his success at Wykagyl.
“I found a good feel and made a good adjustment to tap into the freedom I like to swing with,” said Rothenberg. “That way, I didn’t feel like I had to be so perfect, and my misses were still quality golf shots.”
As one of the team’s veteran leaders, Rothenberg has focused on leading by example rather than words.
“Even in high school, I was never a vocal leader,” said Rothenberg. “The best thing I could do for the team was to keep putting up a low number. I’m focused on improving my craft every day, both on and off the course, through hard work and discipline.”
Rothenberg also noted that team chemistry has been a work in progress, given the size and rotation of the lineup this fall.
“Chemistry doesn’t really develop until after spring break when the seven or so guys that could be playing in conference spend more time together,” said Rothenberg. “We’ve definitely performed far below what we’re capable of, but the only thing that matters is what happens for three rounds at the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) in April.”
Looking ahead, the Pioneers are focused on turning their lessons from fall into results this spring.
“We will continue to work hard on our short game and putting,” said McGreevy. “As we continue to grow as a team, I think we can build on a difficult fall and come out this spring ready to compete for a championship.”
Each player will head into the offseason with individual goals and training plans; something McGreevy believes will make a difference when the team returns.
“We’re going to finish the semester strong,” said McGreevy. “Each team member will go home with goals to work on and come back ready for a great spring semester.”
“Personally, I’m striving to become a much better ball-striker,” said Rothenberg. “Winning will be the result of good preparation and the work I’ve put in during the offseason. As for the team, our goal is to win the MAAC Conference and earn a trip to National Collegiate Athletic Association Regionals.”
As the Pioneers regroup over the winter, both coach and players share one focus: turning the lessons of fall into momentum for spring.
Athletic Communications contributed to this article.
