UNF Golf Teams Welcome Global Talent Ahead of Exciting New Season!

UNF Golf Teams Welcome Global Talent Ahead of Exciting New Season!

The sun-soaked greens of Florida are buzzing with excitement as the University of North Florida (UNF) gears up for an exhilarating golf season. As reported by Jacksonville.com, both the men’s and women’s golf programs at UNF have welcomed five international players to their rosters for the 2025-26 academic year. This expansion adds vibrant new talent to the already competitive environment at UNF.

The male players include Laurens Schulze-Doering from Malta, JP Parr from Quebec, and Diego Alvarez Perez from Panama. Notably, Schulze-Doering is a seasoned graduate senior who previously showcased his skills at both South Carolina and Young Harris College. Parr, a junior who played at Tennessee, stands out as a two-time Canadian Junior Boys champion, while Perez comes in as a promising freshman who attended Windermere Prep in Orlando.

On the women’s side, the Ospreys secured commitments from Mohea Mansbendel of New Caledonia, Florida’s own Brianna Castaldi, and Ines Izuzquiza Ruiz de Arana from Spain, along with Ava Cottis from Savannah, Georgia. Mansbendel arrives as a junior from Keiser University, boasting the prestigious title of a two-time NAIA first-team All-American. Castaldi, also a junior transferring from East Tennessee, has made her mark with seven top-25 finishes and recognition as an All-Southern Conference player. Arana embarks on her collegiate journey as a freshman.

Where the Competition Lies

The golf season is just around the corner, and local forces UNF, Jacksonville University (JU), and Flagler College are set to compete in various tournaments across the South. The UNF men’s team kicks off their season at the Visit Knoxville Collegiate from September 5-7, while JU’s men hit the ground running at the Myrtle Beach Golf Trips Intercollegiate from September 7-9. Flagler men’s team will start with the Jennison Cup at home on September 29-30.

As for the women, the UNF squad will begin their season at the Boilermaker Classic from September 1-3. JU’s women will compete in Statesboro, Georgia, at The Southern on September 8-9, and Flagler women’s team will open at the Eckerd Invitational on September 22-23. It’s a busy fall for our local golfers, with Flagler preparing for a trip to Las Vegas and UNF heading all the way to Hawaii later on.

Rising Stars and Local Achievements

As the local golf scene flourishes, the Florida Junior Tour (FJT) remains a breeding ground for budding talent. Launched in 2004, the FJT has organized over 40 competitions annually for youths aged 9 to 18. As detailed by the Florida State Golf Association, the FJT tournaments are nationally ranked and serve as a vital recruitment tool for college coaches, many of whom actively scout these events.

Notably, former FJT players include well-known names in golf like Brooks Koepka and Lexi Thompson, proving the effectiveness of these grassroots programs. Over $90,000 is awarded annually by the Future of Golf Foundation, which assists junior golfers and club employees with college scholarships and travel expenses for national championships.

Locally, young golfers are also making waves. Ambrose Kinnare, from St. Augustine, recently tied for third in the Florida Junior Tour’s 13-15 Reunion Open, posting an impressive second-round score of 66. Even Jackson Runquist, a senior at Fletcher, has verbally committed to Boston College, highlighting the success of our local junior players.

Meanwhile, Nicholas Nuzzo, the assistant pro at TPC Sawgrass, has notable news of his own. He’s been chosen as one of the 15 PGA professionals for the 10th cohort of the PGA LEAD program, which focuses on nurturing future leaders in the PGA community.

As the new college golf season approaches, one can’t help but feel a sense of anticipation sweeping across North Florida. With fresh international talent and a rich local golf culture filled with aspiring stars and seasoned professionals alike, this is surely a season to remember!