Tadgh Burke (pronounced “Ty-g”) didn’t grow up chasing golf glory, but he’s quickly emerged as one of Fairfield’s breakout stars. A first-year from Lake Bluff, Illinois, Burke spent most of his early athletic career excelling on the baseball field before making a shift to golf in high school. That unconventional path has only fueled his rise. With a strong debut and early accolades already under his belt, Burke is proving that talent, work ethic, and timing can be just as important as a head start.
Unlike many golfers who start swinging clubs almost as soon as they can walk, Burke’s serious engagement with the sport began in high school. “I grew up just hitting golf balls with my older brother and dad,” he recalls. “But I didn’t really start playing golf competitively or caring about it until freshman year of high school.
Prior to that, Burke was deeply involved in travel baseball, a commitment he maintained until his sophomore year. At his high school, golf is played in the fall while baseball takes place in the spring—allowing him to pursue both for a time. It wasn’t until a standout junior golf season that he began to seriously consider golf as his primary sport.
That decision proved pivotal. A remarkable second-place finish in the Illinois State Championships during the fall of his junior year showcased his burgeoning talent and solidified his commitment to golf.
Reflecting on that period, Burke explains, “I had a pretty good junior golf season and ended up playing junior year for the high school baseball team, but then junior going into senior summer is pretty big, like recruiting summer for golf, so I decided just to focus on golf from that point forward.” After completing his spring baseball season as a junior, Burke officially left the diamond behind to focus fully on the fairway.
The recruiting process wasn’t easy. Despite his performances, he wasn’t heavily pursued. “I wasn’t really highly recruited coming out of high school,” he admits. “I talked to a couple of schools out here on the East Coast and a couple back home in the Midwest, but ultimately, I was just sending out a bunch of emails.”
One of those emails connected him with Fairfield’s head coach, Doug Holub. After visiting the campus and meeting the team, Burke felt an immediate connection. “I really liked the two sophomores on the team now, Peter Crowe and Anthony Naples, and gave it about a week to think and figured I’d come here and see how it goes.”
Burke’s transition to collegiate golf has been nothing short of impressive. In his debut at the Loyola Intercollegiate in Goodyear, Ariz., he carded a 213 (-3) over 54 holes with rounds of 72, 70, and 71 at Palm Valley Golf Club. This stellar performance earned him a tie for 19th place in a field of 116 golfers and the honor of MAAC Co-Golfer of the Week, which he shared with Siena’s Austin Giroux.
Reflecting on his achievement, Burke shared, “Over the winter, I had a lot of time to practice and get better, which I definitely did, but then at the tournament itself, it’s just having a good attitude every day, not being too tough on myself, and just going out there and having fun.”
His success didn’t stop there. At the SHU Spring Break Invitational at the Eagle Harbor Golf Course in Fleming Island, Fla., Burke continued to shine, finishing second overall on Fairfield’s team. He shot a steady +8, earning a tie for 14th place in a loaded field of 66 competitors. Burke’s commitment to his craft continues to translate into strong results.
Transitioning from high school to college can be daunting, but Burke’s integration into the Fairfield golf team has been seamless. He attributes this smooth adjustment to the camaraderie and support from his teammates.
Alongside fellow first-years Rasmus Ditzinger and Ben Madden, Burke has formed a close-knit trio. “We take every single class together now; we’re together 24/7, whether it’s in the Tully, working out, or at practice,” he notes.
As someone who’s watched Burke’s development firsthand, Ditzinger has been struck by his growth. “I’m impressed with how his attitude has changed both on and off the course,” Ditzinger said. “He is very dedicated and he’s always using his time wisely.”
That bond has been more than just social as it’s elevated their progression this season. “It’s been great having someone like Tadgh to go through it with, “Ditzinger stated. “We’ve pushed each other to get better while still having fun along the way.”
While Burke’s stats speak for themselves, Ditzinger believes the intangibles set him apart. “Tadgh is super detail-oriented and always looking to improve the little things,” Ditzinger said. “He knows that these changes will make a difference in the long run.”
The upperclassmen have also played a pivotal role in fostering this inclusive environment. “The seniors look out after all of us… the sophomores, those are like our older brothers who we just hang out with,” Burke said.
With the MAAC Championships fast approaching, Burke remains focused and optimistic—but there’s still work to be done. Fairfield has two key tune-up tournaments on the schedule: the Battle at Rum Pointe in Maryland (March 30–31) and the Lafayette Invitational in Pennsylvania (April 7–8).
Both events will provide valuable opportunities to sharpen the team’s game and build momentum. “Rum Pointe is usually a pretty good battle. It’s really windy, so it helps you lock in mentally and work on your iron play,” Burke said. “That’s going to be big for us down in Florida.” As for Lafayette, Burke sees it as a chance for the team to climb back toward the top of the MAAC standings. “It’s a good course and a great opportunity to keep improving.”
The MAAC Championships—set for April 19–21 at Disney’s Palm Golf Course in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.—represent the pinnacle of Fairfield’s season. After finishing just behind Siena last year, the Stags are determined to take the next step in a now more competitive field with the addition of Sacred Heart to the conference.
The Florida layout, known for its water hazards and demanding shot-making, will test both skill and mental toughness. “There’s a lot more water down there,” Burke noted. “You really have to be precise with your misses and think through every shot.” With a close-knit group and consistent preparation, Fairfield enters the championship with quiet confidence. “We trust our practice. We trust our coaches. And we trust each other,” Burke said. “Now it’s just about performing when it matters most.”
Burke’s rapid ascent in the golf world is a testament to what drive and resilience can achieve. His journey highlights how commitment, mental toughness, and belief in one’s potential can fuel fast progress. As the season unfolds, the Fairfield community will be watching closely—not just for his scores, but for the leadership and energy he brings to the team. With a rare mix of talent, humility, and relentless work ethic, Burke is already setting a standard for what it means to be a Stag.
Fairfield hasn’t just gained a promising golfer—they’ve gained a foundational piece for the program’s future. If his freshman campaign is any indication, Tadgh Burke is just getting started. And with him leading the charge, Fairfield men’s golf is primed to reach new heights.
