Rhode Island may be the smallest state, but it is full of great golf talent, with more on the way.
Whether it’s talent that is still playing locally or talent that has taken the next step in their careers, Rhode Island has a lot to be excited about in 2023.
With the Players to Watch, GolfNewsRI aims to highlight two men’s and two women’s players that could be/will be making moves during the 2023 season.
And not necessarily the star players.
So without further ado, here are GolfNewsRI’s Men’s Players to Watch in 2023:
Davis Chatfield
In just a few weeks, Davis Chatfield will make his debut on the Korn Ferry Tour in the Bahamas.
Chatfield is exempt through the first eight tournaments, meaning he has eight tournaments to play well and earn more starts.
The former Notre Dame star packed up his stuff and left the New England region a couple of days ago to head to Florida.
Chatfield will play out of TPC Sawgrass. (Doesn’t suck).
It is going to be fun to follow Chatfield’s pro career and these first eight starts. He will be the biggest story of the early part of the year.
URI Golf
Not much, if any, attention is paid to college golf in the area, however, the URI Golf team should give you a reason to watch.
After as fall season that saw Rhody finish no worse than fourth in any tournament, the Rams are poised for a big spring season with their sights set on an NCAA Tournament berth.
Brandon Gillis and Bryson Richards will lead the way, but freshman and Massachusetts native Aidan O’Donovan will play at big role in the teams success.
Chuck Tragesser will also be major factor.
Honorable Mentions
Patrick Welch – Patrick is in his last semester of college golf. It is unclear if he will play one more summer amateur circuit or turn pro right away.
Max Jackson – Jackson is going for his third straight high school title this year, while also looking for a return trip to the U.S. Junior Am and a deep run at the RI Amateur.
Austin Cilley – Everyone has their breakthrough moment and Austin is due. The former basketball star will be a real factor on the Rhode Island Golf scene. He may even be doing some media work with a certain golf news organization….
EDITOR’S Note: a previous version of this article mentioned Jack Tegan. He is no longer on the team. We apologize for the error.