GolfNewsRI

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 2024. 

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 2024 season. 

And not necessarily the star players. 

So without further ado, here are GolfNewsRI’s Men’s Players to Watch in 2024:

Drew MacLeod: A freshman at La Salle, MacLeod is expected to make an impact right away on a team that is already loaded. 

MacLeod is ranked as the second best prospect in New England for the class of 2027 by Junior Golf Scoreboard. 

This past August, MacLeod qualified for and played in the Jr. PGA Championship in Arkansas, where he missed the cut, but played well in the first round. 

Not to mention, he played in the 2022 U.S. Kids World Championship, multiple challenge cup events and RI State Amateurs. 

He may be a freshman, but he brings a wealth of experience to the La Salle lineup. 

Larry Lafauci Jr.: “It sounds ridiculous to say at 43, but I think I’m just maturing as a golfer.” – Larry Lafauci Jr. 

Lafauci has won back-to-back Rhode Island Mid-Ams and had the lead after round one of last year’s Burke Memorial Tournament. 

He has also advanced in the Rhode Island Amateur and in the Kirkbrae Club Championship.

In 2024, Lafauci is starting the competitive season early as he is headed down tot he Gasparilla Invitational in Florida alongside Mike Hamilton, Bobby Leopold and Tyler Cooke.  

Four Rhode Islanders in that tournament is pretty exciting. 

Look for Lafauci to be a big player this year on the the RI golf scene.

Honorable Mentions:

Billy Andrade, Brett Quigley & Brad Adamonis: Admittedly, this is a bit of a cop out, However. 

The 2024 U.S. Senior Open is at Newport Country Club and the more locals in the field the better. 

Quigley had a great finish to last season on the Champions Tour and is already in the field. 

Andrade and Adamonis both have work to do to get in the field. 

Brad Faxon also hinted to GolfNewsRI that he was going to try to play.