De Schutter’s dominant fall leads SIU golf to record heights
10/22/2025 | 12:40:00 | Men's Golf
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois University fifth-year senior Anthony De Schutter is already putting together one of the most impressive starts to a season in program history. The Belgian native has won three individual tournaments this fall and is establishing himself as one of the top golfers in the Missouri Valley Conference.
Head coach Justin Fetcho says De Schutter has taken a major leap forward since last season. "Last year he was still trying to figure out who he was as a golfer," Fetcho said. "Now he has confidence that he can compete and win, and it's shown early and often."
De Schutter's growth is backed up by numbers. Through 33 rounds this season, he holds a 71.9 scoring average and has recorded eight rounds in the 60s, including a low round of 65. His most recent win came at the Purdue Fall Invitational, where he finished six under par to earn his third title of the season. Only one other Saluki golfer has ever reached that mark.
De Schutter said his mindset entering this year was different. After transferring to SIU following stops at a junior college and Arkansas State, he said he came into this season with a clearer sense of purpose. "Getting a full season under my belt gave me a lot of confidence," he said. "It's not just about the swing anymore. It's about how I think and prepare for each shot."
Fetcho said De Schutter's ability to stay composed under pressure has become one of his biggest strengths. He tends to play his best golf when he is near the top of the leaderboard. "He has a calm and collected mindset when he's around the lead," Fetcho said. "He's been able to close out tournaments in a way that shows how much he's grown."
De Schutter has already made his mark on the SIU record book, and Fetcho believes more is still to come. Last season, De Schutter was named the Missouri Valley Conference Newcomer of the Year and earned All-Conference honors. This year, he is on pace to break the school record for lowest scoring average in a season and possibly in a career.
Fetcho said De Schutter's success reflects his work ethic and the team's environment. "He's worked really hard to get where he is," Fetcho said. "He's bought into what we do here and it's paid off."
As the fall season winds down, De Schutter and the Salukis are looking ahead to the spring schedule, which includes the conference championship. With the way he has played so far this season, both De Schutter and Fetcho believe even bigger things could be ahead for the team and for SIU golf.
Players Mentioned
