Gophers Earn Big Ten Preseason Recognition
Three Minnesota golfers join a league-wide watch list as the 2026-27 season opens at The Royal.
The air at The Royal Golf Club hangs heavy with the scent of freshly cut grass. It is a crisp September morning in Rosemont, Illinois, where the manicured fairways stretch toward a distant green. Here, the 2026-27 season begins with quiet precision. The University of Minnesota Gophers step onto the course, their clubs ready, their focus sharp.
This week, the Big Ten Conference named three Gophers to its Preseason Players to Watch list. The recognition places Emree Cameron, Reese McCauley, and Luisamariana Mesones among the league’s most anticipated talents. Of the 53 golfers selected from all 18 institutions, these three stand out as key figures for the Maroon and Gold squad.
Veteran Leadership on the Course
Senior Luisamariana Mesones brings four years of collegiate experience to the front of the lineup. Last season, she earned All-Big Ten Second Team honors and was named the conference's Golfer of the Week. Her consistency is evident in her 71.57 scoring average, the second-best on the team. She found her rhythm at the Puerto Rico Classic and the Westbrook Invitational, where she recorded a career-low 11-under-par total to finish fourth.
Rising Stars and Academic Honor
Reese McCauley returns for her junior year with momentum from her sophomore campaign. The Inver Grove Heights native posted a 75.84 average, ranking third on the squad. Her breakthrough came at the Shootout at Wachesaw, where she secured an eighth-place finish with an even-par score. Off the course, her dedication earned her Academic All-Big Ten Honors, balancing rigorous studies with competitive play.
Sophomore Emree Cameron enters the season with fresh eyes and a new identity. After a freshman year at Louisville, the Nevada, Mo., native brings a 75.60 stroke average over 20 rounds. She highlighted her season with an eighth-place finish at the Riverbend Intercollegiate, posting a season-low 54-hole score of 219. Now in Minnesota, she seeks to translate that experience into a stronger campaign for the Gophers.
Opening Weekend Under Coach Higgins
Head coach Matt Higgins guides the team into the ANNIKA Intercollegiate, presented by 3M. The tournament runs from September 7 to 9 at The Royal Golf Club. It is a test of nerve and skill against the conference’s best. As reported by GN sports/golf (en-US), the Gophers begin this journey with high expectations and a roster poised for success.
