East Michigan News

Eastern Michigan University Head Men's Golf Coach Andy Walker announced the addition of sophomore Pietro Fenoglio and junior Rory McDonald O'Brien to the team for the 2024-25 season.

Fenoglio, transferring from TCU, displayed his golfing prowess at the 2023-24 Pauma Valley Invitational with rounds of 72 and 69. He represented Italy in the 2022 Toyota Junior World Cup and the European Boys Team Championship in both 2021 and 2022. His junior career highlights include a tie for fifth at the 2021 Italian Amateur, victory at the 2019 Italian U16 Championship, and winning the 2018 U14 Scottish Championship.

"Pietro is a great young man and when you watch him hit a golf ball – it's a thing of beauty," Walker stated. "He has speed and power that is unteachable and together we are going to help him reach his highest potential. With our facilities and support, there's no telling how good Pietro can be. I'm very excited to call Pietro an Eagle."

McDonald O'Brien joins Eastern Michigan from Division II South Carolina Aiken, where he recorded three top-10 finishes, including a victory at the Cleveland Golf Palmetto Intercollegiate. Averaging 72.9 strokes per round over his career, McDonald O'Brien earned Second Team All-Peach Belt Conference honors and was named to the PBC All-Tournament team during the 2023-24 season. His notable performances include a third-place tie at the Cateechee Fall Invitational with a seven-under par, 206, and winning the Cleveland Golf Palmetto Intercollegiate with three-under par, 267.

"I was so excited when Rory committed to play for Eastern Michigan," said Walker. "He's a world-class player that is going to make an immediate impact on the Division I scene. There's certain guys that just have 'it' and one look at Rory and you know he's one of them. Rory brings victories from major amateur and college events and will play a leadership role on this team. The future is bright at Eastern."