Going straight fore the net

By Emily Winslow

It’s been nothing short of an extraordinary year for Salve Regina University finance major Jack McMullen '26, who is an integral part of the men’s basketball team as well as the club golf team. Over the course of the academic year, McMullen garnered a No. 22 PGA National Collegiate Club Golf Association ranking and led the basketball team to a NEWMAC postseason appearance.  

“Basketball and golf balance each other and it’s the reason I love them so much,” said McMullen. “In the summer I’m golfing a ton and not playing basketball and it’s not constantly on my mind. Now, in the wintertime, basketball is so much fun because it’s a new season and I'm not burnt out. It’s the same way when I go back to golf.”

McMullen grew up in Rhode Island and began playing golf on and off starting when he was about 10 years old. In 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, McMullen would go to Potowomut Golf Club and play 36 – sometimes 54 – holes a day.  

“As bad as the pandemic hurt my high school experience, it was maybe a blessing in disguise. I golfed every day and it was so much fun. I obviously got much better in that time,” said McMullen.

When he was a first-year student at Salve, the golf club consisted of a small group of students who golfed together, occasionally. The full-fledged team now has members who travel to national tournaments. McMullen credits much of the team’s growth to Pam Heroux, Salve’s director of recreation.  

“Now that Pam and coach Larry Belka are here, it’s a real club team,” said McMullen. “Last year we played in a few tournaments and even had indoor practices. This year, there are going to be more tournaments. Now that it's structured, it's been unbelievable.”

Before the fall season begins, practices are structured like tryouts to see who will be competitive at tournaments, although anyone can participate in the club.

“This spring I’m planning to go to North Carolina for the National Club Golf Qualifier,” said McMullen. “I’d have to be first overall to qualify. There are kids from Coastal Carolina and colleges down south competing. It’ll be more about the experience than going out there trying to win.”

McMullen was surprised to hear about his No. 22 ranking when he first found out this past year. The accolades aren’t the driving factor in his love for the sport, but he was proud of his performance and excited for future matches.

“I didn't even know I was ranked,” laughed McMullen. “I only played in two tournaments – one in the spring of 2025, and then one this past fall. I finished in the top five at both. I think it has to do with maybe just having two good tournaments. It's obviously really cool to be ranked and I’ll definitely take it. In the spring, it'll be another chance to see where I stack.”

Amidst the winter basketball season, McMullen compartmentalizes his performance on the court and on the course. Although he focuses on his sports season to season and tries not to look too far ahead, McMullen definitely notices similarities between golf and basketball.

“The biggest similarity is confidence,” shared McMullen. “In basketball, I would say my main skill is shooting. A coach told me when I was younger that shooting is all confidence and repetition. To gain confidence, you have to practice. Golf is the same way. If you don't truly believe that it's going to be a good shot, it's usually not.  It's so mental.”

Harnessing his confidence has made McMullen an offensive threat at the 3-point line and has certainly been a factor in the basketball team’s winning season.

As McMullen looks ahead to his life after graduation, he will take his memories on the court and on the course with him. Given its individual nature, golf will play more of a role in his life than basketball, however he will never lose his appreciation for both.

“Once I'm done with college, golf will still be part of my life,” said McMullen. “Some people just like the exercise, and others like to compete. Golf is such a self-challenge.  It brings out mental and physical fitness. People don't see it like a contact sport, and some people don't even think it's a sport, but it takes such good hand-eye coordination and mental focus.”

Sport has always been about community for McMullen, whether it’s five players on a court each relying on each other to be their best or passing chuckles between carts at the 17th hole. This is something that McMullen will continue to place value on as he approaches the spring golf season and his post-collegiate life.

“I've met such different people of all ages and different backgrounds,” said McMullen. “It's very cool that golf is the reason why I have all these relationships that I didn't have five or six years ago. You only actually hit the golf ball for around 2 to 3 seconds for 18 holes. The other four hours you’re talking to friends, making jokes and connecting with people.”