DePaul Golf Opens Season with Record-Tying 859 at FAU

The fairway at Florida Atlantic University shimmered under the mid-September sun, the grass manicured to a precise green that swallowed the sound of the crowd. In the first round of the 2026-27 season, DePaul University golf struck with a force that had never before opened the fall campaign. The Blue Demons carded an 859, five strokes under par, a mark that etched itself into the program’s historical ledger as a new benchmark for a season opener.

That total placed the team in sixth position at the FAU Invitational, a performance that ties for the fourth-best round of 54 in the history of the sport since 2000-01. The rhythm was immediate, the strokes clean, and the final number a testament to a collective effort that defied the usual nerves of a season debut.

Dual Stars Lead Historic Debut

Rizq Adam Rohizam and Frederik Richardson anchored the charge, both finishing the three-day event with a 209, seven under par. Rohizam capped his round with a 69, a card that included an eagle on the 10th hole that sent a ripple of quiet excitement through the gallery. Richardson, making his collegiate debut, matched that total exactly, securing a top-10 finish that announced his arrival with undeniable clarity.

Their performance was not an isolated spark but a sustained burn, driving the team’s overall score into the black. The precision of their play, visible in the tight clusters of balls near the pin, signaled a depth of talent that the coaching staff had long cultivated.

Consistency Anchors the Team Effort

Rohan Gopaldas provided the steady spine of the group, carrying over the consistency he displayed in the 2025-26 campaign. He finished with a 215, one under par, to tie for 28th overall. His game was a masterclass in control, every shot executed with a deliberate, unflinching calm that steadied the team's collective focus.

Finlay Eager, also in his first collegiate appearance, completed the counting scores with a 226. While the number sat above par, his presence on the course added to the depth of the roster, a young player learning the texture of the professional game. The team’s aggregate score, as reported by DePaul University Athletics, stood as a definitive statement of intent for the season ahead.

Historical Context of the Score

The 859 was not just a good round; it was a historic one. In a program that has seen many seasons of highs and lows, opening with five under par was a milestone that had never been achieved. The record, dating back to 2000-01, now carries a new name, one that will be referenced in every future season opener.

As the sun dipped lower over the Jupiter coastline, the players shook hands, the day’s work done. The scorecard in hand, the season had truly begun, not with a whisper, but with a roar that echoed across the fairways and into the archives.