Men's Golf: Captain keeps positive outlook during slump

There has been one person on the Rutgers men’s golf team who strongly supported the team, even in the midst of his own struggles.

Senior John Fagan has yet to shy away from encouraging the Scarlet Knights to reach their potential.

The team appreciates Fagan’s enthusiasm and the positive attitude he brings to the team and on the course.

“He is a very personable guy and fun to be around,” said junior Jonathan Renza. “He brings to the team a kind of fun mentality, but also he comes to work. He is always prepared and is always trying to make the team better. He has been a very good leader.”

The two-time captain’s play has suffered this spring and has resulted in zero appearances in tournament action. The last time Fagan sat out for consecutive matches was in spring of 2010, when he was not featured in any competition.

The Flemington, N.J., product competed in four events in the fall and played 10 rounds. His best outing was at the Lehigh Invitational in October, where he tied for 23rd and tallied a 156 in the Knights’ second place finish.

Despite his recent slump, head coach Rob Shutte said Fagan does not allow frustration to affect his positivity to break out of his woes. He said it has been a struggle, but it is something he can overcome.

“He has kept his composure and has been really positive about it,” Shutte said. “He does not let it drag anybody else down. He has been a very important part of the program.”

Fagan continues to show up to practice every day and has worked hard to polish his game. The recent third-place finish at the Whiting Turner Towson Invitational on April 2 inspired him to work even harder in hopes of returning to the lineup.

As the sole senior on the team, Fagan experienced numerous coaching changes in his four years, but feels he adapted well to each transition and leadership style.

His goal of becoming a better golfer never escaped his mind, no matter who was the coach.

“I have definitely improved year by year here,” Fagan said. “It is pretty good to see that happen and it is great that we have a coach that really pushes us and coaches us hard to keep improving.”

Now in his final year, Fagan credits his coach for his desire to end his career on a high note. With only two tournaments to go, he hopes to continue to be the teammate the Knights have come to respect and admire.

Passion for the sport has not abandoned Fagan and continues to drive him.  He applied his coach’s advice to his approach.

“[Shutte] stresses to enjoy playing competitive golf,” he said. “[I have] to go out there and not have any regrets and give it my all. He really pushed me to try my best and keep working because after this, there is not much competitive golf left.”

Even if he does not return to action this year, he has one goal that he hopes the Knights will achieve: a tournament title.

“I want the team to win a tournament,” Fagan said. “I still want to play well individually, but I would rather see the team get a [win] because that is something that has never happened in my career at Rutgers.”