University of Minnesota Athletics
Players Mentioned
Gophers Sign Two to NLIs
11/11/2021 5:00:00 PM | Men's Golf
MINNEAPOLIS -- Head coach Justin Smith has announced the signing of two student-athletes to National Letters of Intent to join the Minnesota men's golf program. Signing NLIs with the Golden Gophers are Mason Roloff and Cormac Sharpe, who will both join the team for the 2022-23 season.
"Coach Rachey and I are incredibly excited for our recruiting class," head coach Justin Smith said. "Recruiting culture is always a top priority for us, and Mason and Cormac will bring such a positive impact to our program with the values they possess. On the course, they have both won numerous tournaments already and we are eager to help them develop at the next level. We are excited as coaches to welcome two amazing young men and their families into our golf program, athletic department and the University of Minnesota next fall. Our championship culture at Gopher golf will continue to grow with the signings of Mason and Cormac."
Mason Roloff - Blaine, Minnesota - Lake Park High School
Roloff is an in-state product from Blaine, Minn. and attends Lake Park High School. He won the 2021 Minnesota State Junior Boys' Championship and placed second overall in the 2021 Minnesota Boys Junior PGA Championship at Royal Golf Club with a score of 69-68--137 (-5). Roloff was recognized with all-state honors in 2021 and 2019, along with all-conference recognition in 2021, 2019 and 2018. His best scores are highlighted by a 63 shot at the We-ko-pa Saguaro Course in Scottsdale, Arizona.
"Mason has all the talent and ability to be an elite player in college golf," Smith said. "Mason proved this summer that he is one of the best players in Minnesota as well as the Midwest by winning multiple events against some of the best competition around. We know that the impact he will bring to our program both on and off the course will be felt immediately. Mason and his family possess all the qualities for what our 'Commit North' identity stands for and we are so excited to officially welcome them to Gopher golf."
"I chose the University of Minnesota because, growing up as a kid in Minnesota, the Gophers are a really big thing," Roloff said. "To be able to be a part of a team here at the 'U' is very special. Also, the coaches are very passionate about what they do and have showed me they are willing to do everything they can to help develop my teammates and I."
Cormac Sharpe - Blairgowrie, Perthshire, Scotland - Blairgowrie High School
A native of Blairgowrie, Perthsire, Scotland, Sharpe competes for Blairgowrie High School. He represents Scotland in the National High Performance Squad and has produced top-10 finishes at the Peter McEvoy Trophy, Scottish Men's Amateur Championship, East of Scotland Open, ProDream USA Junior Masters and the Stephen Gallacher Trophy. Sharpe's lowest career round came at the Scottish Men's Amateur when he carded 6-under. He also has two hole-in-ones in his career, one during the Scottish Men's Amateur Championship at the Murcar Links Golf Club in Scotland and the other during the Irish Men's Amateur Championship at The European Club in Ireland.
"Cormac is an incredible talent from Scotland," Smith said. "Cormac continually competes against the best players in Europe and that will ultimately prepare him well for elite Division 1 golf. Being one of the top players in Scotland, Cormac possesses a passion to compete at the highest level golf can offer. His attention to detail and work ethic will allow him to shine in our championship culture. We are so excited to welcome Cormac and his entire family to our program at Minnesota."
"Minnesota looks like a fantastic school with top level golf facilities, but most importantly has two great coaches I'm really looking forward to working with and playing for," Sharpe said. "Representing the Gophers on the golf course will be very exciting, but it's going to be exciting meeting the rest of the team. I follow them on social media and can see they have a great team spirit."