By Hannah Mack, Sports@CJC

PALM COAST — Although Ty Rucarean graduated from the University of Florida more than 10 years ago, the Gators club cover on his driver shows that Gainesville will always hold a special place in his heart.

In mid-May, the Albert head cover was on proud display as Rucarean tried to qualify for the U.S. Open at the Conservatory at Hammock Beach in Palm Coast, Florida, chasing a dream he’s been pursuing all his life.

Rucarean, 37, grew up in Gainesville, Florida, the oldest of three brothers. Golf was in his backyard after moving to Gainesville Country Club before the sixth grade. He graduated from Oak Hall and found considerable success at the high school level before heading to UF.

Rucarean was named the Dairy Farmer’s 1A State Golfer of the Year in 2002 along with Gainesville Sun Player of the Year. He was a five-time Gainesville Sun first-team all-area selection and finished third at the 2002 Florida State tournament.

He then spent two years on the Gators golf team under head coach Buddy Alexander from 2005-07, but played sparingly. While the sport used to be a major part of his life, Rucarean’s day-to-day agenda looks much different now.

After Rucarean played professionally for a few years after he graduated, his youngest brother, Trace Rucarean, 29, convinced him to change course and enter the solar-power business with him.

After being behind the scenes of a company for years, the brothers grew ambitious and wanted to start something of their own. In April, they founded Smile Solar, a solar-roofing company that is active in more than 30 states.

The brothers say they now work 60- to 70-hour work weeks trying to get their business afloat. This limits their time for golf, however, Rucarean still finds the time to teach clients on the side.

He teaches at a simulator in downtown Tampa with 15 to 20 students. From junior golfers to professional golfers, Rucarean does it all.

“Golf has been in the background for the past four years, but I’m looking for a way to build more time to play,” Rucarean said.

He did just that in Palm Coast. Amazingly, Rucarean played his first competitive round of golf all year at Hammock Beach, trying to advance to the final round of qualifying for the U.S. Open.

Rucarean said he had planned to play more before but didn’t have much time for preparation heading into the tournament because of work. Although this seems daunting for most, pressure situations are where Rucarean thrives.

“It’s kinda fun to put yourself in a horrible position and see if you can create some chaos for yourself,” said Rucarean.

His brother Trace is more than a business partner; he also is caddie. He’s been on Ty’s bag since they were kids. This round of golf was no different, as Rucarean drove the cart carrying his brother’s clubs, talking strategy and watching from afar.

“We’re like, [qualifying for the U.S. Open] probably won’t work out, but if it does, it’d make a hell of a documentary,” said Trace Rucarean.

Rucarean ended up 5-over after the first nine. A long rain delay and a lingering back injury led to a decision to forego the back nine. Although they were disappointed, the brothers enjoyed the break from their work endeavors.

“Solar is fun, but golf is pure fun,” said Rucarean.

This isn’t the first time Rucarean has made a bold decision regarding a golf qualifier. Last year, he traveled to Alaska for another local U.S. Open qualifier. He had always wanted to see Alaska. He waited until the final qualifier option to buy himself some time to practice.

Even though the weather and the course conditions were considerably different than what he was used to in Florida, Rucarean enjoyed the experience and would do it again.

“That’s the beautiful thing about golf is you can travel with it,” Rucarean said. “You can see the world and a different place.”

The brothers have a close-knit relationship, one that thrives as they determine what they choose to do next. Ty said he is more creative, while Trace is more analytical.

The next step for the Rucarean duo: they plan to open a private golf simulator in St. Petersburg, Florida, which would give customers the ability to practice all year round without weather restrictions.

“That’s the cool thing about those simulators,” Rucarean said. “They made golf more available at different times of the day.”

Although competitive golf still remains on the back burner for now, Rucarean plans on playing in the Florida Open Championship in July and some qualifiers over the summer for the PGA Tour.

In addition, Rucarean may travel back to Europe, however, for himself and his brother, golf is low on the priority list as they continue to launch and advertise their companies in the meantime.

Hannah Mack is a journalism student at the University of Florida.

Posted: May 19, 2024
Category: Covering the U.S. Open
Tagged as: 2024 U.S. Open, Ty Rucarean, UF Men's Golf