University of Minnesota Athletics
Johnson, Arnorsson Lead Gophers into New Season
9/8/2017 12:00:00 AM | Men's Golf
Before captains were named for the Gophers' 2017-18 men's golf season, Rúnar Arnorsson already thought he and Riley Johnson would make a good combination.
"We get along really well," he said. "We're really different in a lot of ways. We have different strengths. …Me being older and him being from around here, he can relate to that and I can relate to some of the guys from farther out of state."
Arnorsson, a native of Hafnarfjordur, Iceland, was born a few years earlier than most of his senior classmates. Fargo, N.D., native Johnson grew up just across the border from the state where he would spend his college career.
"(Being named captain) meant a lot, growing up being a huge Gopher fan all my life and committing to the University of Minnesota," Johnson said. "I always looked up to the captains on the team when they were named. They're good people you look up to. If you have any questions about anything, they're always there. Being named captain meant everything to me, knowing that I'm a model, I'm a mentor to these younger guys, to my peers."
Wearing the "M" may not have been a lifelong dream for Arnorsson, but it's part of him now. He's affectionately known as "Grandpa" by his teammates, who appreciate his straightforward advice.
"Obviously (being named captain is) a huge honor," Arnorsson said. "This is my fourth year. Even though I'm not from here, I take huge pride in being part of the program, being a Gopher. Maroon and Gold through and through. It's a responsibility that I like having, being there for the guys and trying to create a culture that guys like and create an environment that the guys can grow up in and become great golfers and great men."
Arnorsson said he wants his teammates to know he's there if they need anything, but he will also make sure they stay on top what they need to do. Johnson said he hopes to set an example off the course and help show the younger players what it takes to be a great college golfer.
"I'm not saying I have all the answers," he said. "I'm just saying that what I've seen through the years and who I've played with…I've played with a lot of good college golfers. I've seen Beau Hossler and Jon Rahm, who played in front of me at the San Diego Country Club at the San Diego tournament. I just saw where they are and what they are on the golf course and what it takes. It's all about discipline."
The Gophers' coach is as excited about the pairing of his co-captains as they are.
"They've traveled almost the entire time in their career," John Carlson said. "Their scoring averages have proven to be leaders of the team. The team really looks up to both of them in different ways. Their foundation of leadership has been progressing as they've been going through college and it's really been fun for us as a coaching staff to see. Collectively, this will be as good of leadership on the team that we've had."
Both captains returned to campus after playing in some big tournaments over the summer. Arnorsson had the chance to play for Team Iceland at the European Team Championships. His team had fluctuated between the first and second division over the past several years, and met its goal of staying in the first this year.
"We have guys playing here in the States and playing back home that are coming up," Arnorsson said. "I think it was crucial to stay up. Next year maybe, who knows, we could have a chance of winning the European Team Championship."
Johnson played in the Southwestern Amateur in Arizona, one of his favorite tournaments through the years. He was pleased with his even-par finish.
Both captains are eager to see what their team can do this season. Arnorsson would like to make an NCAA run. Johnson would, of course, like the same thing, but said he first wants to "control the controllables" - focus, discipline and a calm demeanor on the course - and see where that leads.
Minnesota starts its new season at the annual Gopher Invitational Sept. 10-11. It will be the fourth and final time the senior co-captains compete at Windsong Farm Golf Club as Golden Gophers.
"I always tell Coach that I'm gonna miss the nerves," Johnson said. "When you don't play college golf for a long time, I'm guessing you just miss the nerves a lot. Everyone hates getting nervous, but you come to a point where you're like, 'Dang. I wish I could experience those nerves again.' So I'll just take those in and take in that first tee shot and walking up that last round on 18, take it all in."
Players Mentioned
