The Rollins College men’s and women’s golf teams capped their fall seasons with consistent play and standout performances that set the stage for a promising spring. Both programs earned top finishes and individual recognition, showing strong depth and momentum heading into 2025.
Photo courtesy of Jared Holmes – Flagler Athletics
The men opened their fall slate in dominant fashion, winning the Jay Jennison Cup in St. Augustine at 16 under par. Sophomore Jules Haessig led the way with a 6-under 210, while Sean Dobson (‘27) closed with clutch putting to secure the title by three strokes. Mick Herron (‘28) and Andrew Clark (‘26) provided key rounds that helped the Tars capture their first team victory of the season.
Next, the team traveled to the Copperhead Invitational at Innisbrook, where Clarence Chapman (‘27) delivered the best performance of his Rollins career. After firing a career-low 66 in the second round, Chapman finished with a bogey-free 69 to tie for second individually. His effort earned Sunshine State Conference Golfer of the Week honors and boosted him to No. 11 in the national Clippd rankings. The Tars placed ninth overall in a field loaded with top-ranked programs, gaining valuable experience and confidence.
At the Fripp Island to Bermuda Invitational, the Tars stayed competitive early thanks to Haessig’s 3-under 69 and Chapman’s eagle-filled 71. Rollins entered the final round inside the top five before slipping to eighth, but the event highlighted the team’s ability to challenge elite Division II opponents.
Rollins wrapped up its fall schedule at the Citrus Intercollegiate with a strong finish. Haessig and Dobson each shot 2-under 70s in the closing round, propelling the Tars to one of the lowest team scores of the day and a top-10 overall result.
Clark said the group’s development gives him optimism for the spring. “It was a good fall for us,” he said. “We started off with a big win and kept learning with every tournament. Jules and Clarence had great performances, and the whole team is buying into what it takes to compete nationally.”
The men’s team finished the fall ranked No. 20 in the nation, with Haessig and Chapman both inside the top 100 individually. The Tars will resume play in February at the Saint Leo Invitational, looking to build on their foundation and contend in the Sunshine State Conference.
Photo courtesy of Jared Holmes – Flagler Athletics
On the women’s side, the Tars showed steady progress throughout a challenging fall schedule that included multiple Division I tournaments. They opened at the South Regional Preview in Tennessee, where Leah Li (‘29) impressed in her collegiate debut with a 1-under 71. Though the team faced ups and downs in later rounds, the experience provided valuable lessons for the young roster.
The next stop was the Nittany Lion Invitational at Penn State, where Rollins competed against several Division I schools. Lindsay Lee (‘29) led the team with rounds of 74, 75, and 76 to finish tied for 30th. Li and Sarah Knitter (‘26) followed close behind, helping Rollins gain confidence heading into the heart of its schedule.
In October, the Tars made their annual appearance at the Ruth’s Chris Tar Heel Invitational in Chapel Hill, one of the premier events in women’s collegiate golf. Addy Vogt (‘29) led Rollins with rounds of 75, 73, and 75, showing poise against one of the strongest fields of the year.
The fall season concluded with a dominant team victory at the Flagler Fall Slam, where Rollins won by five strokes. Lee carded a record-tying 67 in the second round and followed with a 70 to finish runner-up individually at 5 under. Vogt placed fourth and Alisha Rametra (‘28) finished eighth, giving Rollins three top-10 finishers. For her stellar play, Lee earned Sunshine State Conference Golfer of the Week honors.
“It felt amazing to finish second individually, but it was even better to win as a team,” Lee said. “We worked hard all season, and seeing it come together was the perfect ending to our fall.”
Head coach Julie Garner praised her team’s growth. “With a young lineup, everyone learns at their own pace,” Garner said. “Assistant coach Dev Naik has helped our players understand their stats and use that information to practice more efficiently. Ending the fall with a win showed how much progress they’ve made.”
Garner added that playing against Division I opponents has accelerated their improvement. “Competing at events like Penn State and North Carolina helps our players understand what it takes to succeed at the highest level,” she said. “It challenges them to elevate every part of their game.”
The women’s team also closed the fall ranked No. 20 nationally, mirroring the men’s program. Both teams demonstrated steady growth and resilience, highlighted by rising stars like Haessig, Chapman, and Lee. As Rollins prepares for the spring season, confidence is high that more success is on the horizon.
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