Josemarria Gutierrez, a name synonymous with diligence and determination in college golf, is nearing the end of his collegiate career. Born and raised in Mexico City, Gutierrez has traveled a long path, leaving a significant imprint on the golf courses of three different colleges. Now, as he stands on the verge of his final season, he opens up about his journey, his discoveries, and his future plans.
Gutierrez embarked on his golf journey at Missouri Baptist University, a modest institution with less than 6,000 students. The next stop was Barton College, a Division II school in North Carolina, where he spent two years. His final destination, Mercer, proved to be a different ball game altogether, offering him unique experiences he cherishes.
Reflecting on his time at Mercer, Gutierrez expressed, “It’s a great place. Definitely the most fun I’ve had.” As he sets his sights on his last two tournaments, he looks back at his journey, appreciating how far he’s come and contemplating what lies ahead.
Living in the U.S. and being away from his family has been a transformative experience for Gutierrez, leading to personal growth and self-discovery. His time at Mercer has seen him develop new interests, like listening to country music and fishing, a pastime he didn’t know he’d enjoy until he tried it.
Despite being thousands of miles away from his homeland, Gutierrez found familiar comforts in the Southern hospitality of Georgia. The welcoming culture and the sense of community he experienced resonated with him, making him feel at home.
In 2025, his journey took a sharp turn when his golf season at Barton College abruptly ended as the head coach resigned, leaving the team in a state of uncertainty. Not one to be deterred, Gutierrez proactively entered the transfer portal, ultimately arriving at Mercer.
“After I heard about Mercer and the program, and just all the great opportunities with the golf schedule we have, and being in Georgia, it was a no-brainer to come here,” he said. The supportive environment at Mercer, led by Coach Payne, and the interaction with the program’s donors made the experience thoroughly enjoyable for him.
Despite limited playing time in his first semester at Mercer, Gutierrez stood his ground, driven by his ambition to continue playing golf after graduation. His determination paid off when he shot even in his first round representing Mercer, ultimately finishing tied for fourth out of 75 individuals in the Cleveland Golf Palmetto Invitational in early March. He also contributed significantly to Mercer finishing third of 15 in the Southern Intercollegiate, with the second-lowest individual score.
The support from his fellow senior teammates played a crucial role in his transition to Mercer. Their collective focus this year has been to enjoy their last tournament, assist the upcoming players, and make the most of their college experience.
The team prepares to conclude its season at the Wofford Invitational on April 12-14, in Spartanburg, S.C., and after that the Southern Conference Championship from April 27-29. Gutierrez looks forward to the next chapter of his life, carrying with him the rich experiences and lessons learned from his college golf journey.