South Bend, Ind. – The Notre Dame Fighting Irish men’s golf program is proud to announce three signees to the program. The Irish welcome Chris Bagnall, Jacob Modleski, and Rocco Salvitti, who are set to join the program in the fall of 2023.
Head Coach and Director of Golf, John Handrigan, is looking forward to the talent that will be joining the program.
“Notre Dame is the type of place that attracts people with elite-level accomplishments and character,” said Handrigan. “This class is no different as we believe Chris, Jacob, and Rocco will make an immediate impact on our program on and off the course. Coach Zedrick and I are fortunate to have the opportunity to coach these exceptional young men for the next four years.”
Chris Bagnall
Chris Bagnall is a Pretoria, South Africa native, who attended Hilton College. Bagnall is a current member of the Golf RSA National Squad and has finished with a 72.33 scoring average in all Golf RSA Amateur events. He has also been ranked as high as no. 3 in the Golf RSA U19 ranking. In 2020-21, he competed in the Big East IGT Pro Tour and finished with the fifth best scoring average of all U19 participants. Bagnall has also been a standout golfer for his provincial team (KwaZulu-Natal “A”) as he helped guide the team to a 2022 South African Schools Interprovincial State Team Championship and individual title by 17 shots.
“Chris is one of the top amateurs in South Africa and his character more than matches it. He’s very resilient and determined, with COVID being a great example,” said Handrigan. “When there were no junior tournaments to play in, he competed in professional events and gained valuable experience against top South African professionals. And not only did he compete in those events, his strong performances cemented his position on their National Team. Chris’ attitude and experience will help raise the bar for Notre Dame Golf.”
Jacob Modleski
Jacob Modleski is a Noblesville, Indiana native who attended Guerin Catholic High School. He is a two-time American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) Champion and was ranked as high as no. 26 in ’23 class on Junior Golf Scoreboard. Modleski was a qualifier for the 2022 U.S. Junior Amatuer and lead Guerin Catholic to the 2022 Indiana State High School Team Championship. He was also the 2021 Indiana State PGA Junior Champion.
“Jacob is the first player we’ve welcomed from our home state of Indiana in quite some time and we couldn’t be more excited,” said Handrigan. He has won at every level of junior golf and gained valuable experience in many national tournaments this past summer. Plus, Jacob is someone who competes and wins with class, the Notre Dame way. His strong personal motivation to improve and ability to lead through action are going to set a great example for his future teammates.”
Rocco Salvitti
Rocco Salvitti is a Canonsburg, Pennsylvania native who attended Pittsburgh Catholic Central High School. He was ranked as high as no. 17 in ’23 class on Junior Golf Scoreboard and is a two-time American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) Champion. Salvitti advanced to Match Play at the 2022 U.S. Junior Amateur and was the 2022 West Penn Golf Association and Tri State PGA Junior Champion. Salvitti also led Pittsburgh Central Catholic to the 2022 Pennsylvania 1A State High School Team Championship title.
“Rocco has been one of the top players in his class for years now and it’s been awesome watching his development,” said Handrigan. “Rocco’s passion for the game and relentless work ethic are why he continues to excel at the highest level. He had an impressive summer winning multiple tournaments, had some great finishes at major events and climbed his way up the rankings. Rocco’s drive and character will fit right in with our program’s culture.”