Governors State men’s golf wasted no time making an impression in the opening week of the 2025 season, stacking up high finishes against deep fields across two tournaments.
Fall Tune-Up, Jaguars take second at University Park
GovState kicked off its campaign by hosting the GovState Fall Tune-Up Tournament at University Park Golf Course on Sept. 4. The Jaguars finished second as a team with a score of 297, just behind Judson University’s 291.
Sophomore Casey Taylor paced the Jaguars with an even-par 72, good for a tie for second overall and an All-Tournament Team finish. Ryan Fontaine, Juan Rodriguez, and Julio Roman each carded 75, while Louis Wappler rounded out the lineup with an 85.
Judson’s Riley Coakley claimed medalist honors with a 1-under 71 on the par-72, 6,757-yard layout.
Judson Fall Invitational, Jaguars place fifth among 28 teams
The Jaguars followed up with another strong performance Sept. 5 at the Judson University Fall Invitational at Randall Oaks Golf Course in West Dundee, Illinois. Facing a 28-team field, GovState’s “Orange” squad tied for fifth place with a 303, finishing +19 on the par-71, 6,598-yard course
Taylor again led the way with a 73 (+2), tying for sixth overall. Rodriguez added a 74 (+3) to crack the top 15. Fontaine posted a 77 (+6), while Julio Andrian contributed a 79 (+8). GovState’s second squad, the “Black” team, finished 21st overall at 333.
Carroll University (Wis.) won the tournament at 295, while Elgin’s Nooa Hakela and Marian’s Wyatt Pfeiffer shared medalist honors after rounds of 69 (-2)
Looking ahead
After a busy opening stretch, Governors State turns its focus to the NAIA John Deere Event on Sunday, Sept. 21, in Silvis, Illinois. With Taylor anchoring the lineup and steady support from Fontaine, Rodriguez, and others, the Jaguars aim to keep building momentum and carry their strong early-season form deeper into the fall.