Fall Charge -- Michael Rudnick (Men's Golf)
Return to FALL CHARGE page and read more letters.
Dear Bucknell Men’s Golf Community,
I was first introduced to golf at the age of two when my golf-obsessed father brought home plastic clubs he picked up from our local sporting goods store. It didn’t take me long to start swinging them around the house trying to be just like my dad. Clearly, his plan worked as I entered my first tournament in 2nd grade, and from then on, I knew that I wanted to play golf at the highest level. When the start of my senior year of high school rolled around and Head Coach Mike Binney gave me the opportunity to play Division I golf at Bucknell University, I didn’t think twice about accepting it.
The world-class Bachman Golf Center, Bucknell’s rigorous academics, and a student body eager to better themselves made the decision a no-brainer. I can confidently say that it was the best decision I have made in my life so far.
It's hard for me to pinpoint one thing that I love about this university, but at the end of the day, it’s the people that make the place. The relationships I have formed here with my teammates and Coach helped shape me into the person I am today. Coming into my freshman year, I was really nervous about being 650 miles away from home, but Coach Binney and all of my teammates took me right in and I haven’t looked back since. While we are all a part of a golf team, it feels more like a family. Regardless of the issue, I have zero hesitation in knocking on Coach’s door or talking to one of my teammates to help give me some sort of guidance in whatever issue I’m struggling with.
I could not be more excited for what's to come this year. I can confidently say that this is the most talented team I’ve been on in my three years here. It makes my job as captain that much easier because I’m learning just as much from these younger guys as they are learning from me. The culture that surrounds this team is so special. We all know how good each other is and it allows us to play with no fear. If one of us makes a bogey, the other guy has our back with a birdie on the next hole.
Reflecting on my time here as I begin my junior year is bittersweet. I remember like it was yesterday getting picked up from Swartz Hall to go to practice and now I’m the one packing them all in my car. The amount of growth I’ve had both as a golfer and a person since arriving on campus is a credit to the support we receive from the men’s golf community.
The unbelievable experience I’ve had on this team has a strong correlation with those who support our program. As we finish up our fall season, I hope you know just how much my teammates and I appreciate our alumni, families, and friends of the program. Your kindness helps our team compete at the highest level and brings us one step closer to winning the Patriot League and getting that ring. I know I speak for my teammates when I say we cannot be more grateful to be a part of such an amazing program and community.
We would like to thank you for your immense support that allows us to fulfill our childhood dreams because none of this is possible without you.
Go Herd!
Michael Rudnick '25
Majoring in Economics
Bucknell Men's Golf
Dear Bucknell Men’s Golf Community,
I was first introduced to golf at the age of two when my golf-obsessed father brought home plastic clubs he picked up from our local sporting goods store. It didn’t take me long to start swinging them around the house trying to be just like my dad. Clearly, his plan worked as I entered my first tournament in 2nd grade, and from then on, I knew that I wanted to play golf at the highest level. When the start of my senior year of high school rolled around and Head Coach Mike Binney gave me the opportunity to play Division I golf at Bucknell University, I didn’t think twice about accepting it.
The world-class Bachman Golf Center, Bucknell’s rigorous academics, and a student body eager to better themselves made the decision a no-brainer. I can confidently say that it was the best decision I have made in my life so far.
It's hard for me to pinpoint one thing that I love about this university, but at the end of the day, it’s the people that make the place. The relationships I have formed here with my teammates and Coach helped shape me into the person I am today. Coming into my freshman year, I was really nervous about being 650 miles away from home, but Coach Binney and all of my teammates took me right in and I haven’t looked back since. While we are all a part of a golf team, it feels more like a family. Regardless of the issue, I have zero hesitation in knocking on Coach’s door or talking to one of my teammates to help give me some sort of guidance in whatever issue I’m struggling with.
I could not be more excited for what's to come this year. I can confidently say that this is the most talented team I’ve been on in my three years here. It makes my job as captain that much easier because I’m learning just as much from these younger guys as they are learning from me. The culture that surrounds this team is so special. We all know how good each other is and it allows us to play with no fear. If one of us makes a bogey, the other guy has our back with a birdie on the next hole.
Reflecting on my time here as I begin my junior year is bittersweet. I remember like it was yesterday getting picked up from Swartz Hall to go to practice and now I’m the one packing them all in my car. The amount of growth I’ve had both as a golfer and a person since arriving on campus is a credit to the support we receive from the men’s golf community.
The unbelievable experience I’ve had on this team has a strong correlation with those who support our program. As we finish up our fall season, I hope you know just how much my teammates and I appreciate our alumni, families, and friends of the program. Your kindness helps our team compete at the highest level and brings us one step closer to winning the Patriot League and getting that ring. I know I speak for my teammates when I say we cannot be more grateful to be a part of such an amazing program and community.
We would like to thank you for your immense support that allows us to fulfill our childhood dreams because none of this is possible without you.
Go Herd!
Michael Rudnick '25
Majoring in Economics
Bucknell Men's Golf