Fall golf season concludes

Fourth former Turner Edwards finished third in the HS Freshman/Sophomore Boys division in the 2019 Michael Breed Junior Invitational at The Independence Golf Club in Midlothian. Turner shot 71-79 (150), two shots off the lead.

In the HS Junior/Senior Boys division, fifth former Benny Haggin fired rounds of 75 and 73 (148) to finish tied for sixth place on the 6620-yard, part 72 Tom Fazio layout.
Other Woodberry Forest scores in the HS Junior/Senior Boys division were:

• Johnny Gruninger 80-76 =  156 (t-26)

• Beau Watts  94-90  = 184 (t-55)

• Pipes Fitz-hugh 86-98 = 184 (t-55)

In the HS Freshman/Sophomore Boys division, the other Woodberry Forest scores:

• Coops Cooper 79-80 = 159 (t-10)

• Bennett Perry 85-85 = 170 (t-29)

• William Andrews 94-89 = 183 (33)

The Tiger golfers are finished for the season. Tryouts for the spring will begin in February.

WFS golfers in Michael Breed Invitational

Turner Edwards fired a -1 par 71 to lead the Boys HS Freshmen/Sophomore division of the 2019 Michael Breed Invitational yesterday. Edwards carded four birdies against 3 bogeys on the par 72, 6620-yard Independence GC. Coops Cooper shot 79 (+7) to tie for 11th.

Benny Haggin shot 75 (+3) to finish t12th in the Boys HS Junior /Senior division.

Other Woodberry Forest results:

• Johnny Gruninger 80
• Bennett Perry 85
• Pipes Fitz-hugh 86
• Beau Watts 94
• William Andrews 94

A full leaderboard can be found here. The final round is tomorrow beginning at 10:30 am.

Coach Hogan plays in VSGA Senior Amateur Championship

Head varsity golf coach Marc Hogan joined 83 other golfers at the Virginia State Golf Association's Senior Amateur Championship at The Homestead Cascades August 12-15, 2019. Hogan qualified for match play in tenth place, posting a 76 and a 72 in the qualifying rounds. He bested  the #23 qualifier before being ousted in the round of 16.

Tiger golfers are state champions

Seeded 6th, Woodberry overcame cool rainy weather to post 299 and defeat Collegiate by five shots (305) and successfully defend its state golf title today at Williamsburg National GC. 

In his final match, Jack Stein shot 72 (even), and along with Benny Haggin (74) and Hughes Edwards (75) earned All-State honors. Turner Edwards shot 78 to clinch Woodberry ‘s fifth VISAA title. Coach Marc Hogan was named State Coach of the Year.

Final results 

Woodberry Forest - 299

Collegiate- 304

Bishop O’Connell - 305

St. Christopher’s- 306

Cape Henry - 306

Trinity Episcopal- 316

All state - top 10 ties

1. Riley Tuttle, Bishop Sullivan - 71

1. Caroline Curtis, Collegiate- 71

1. Rory Weinfurther, St. Catherine’s - 71

4. Caleb Choe, Cape Henry -72

4. Jack Stein, Woodberry - 72

4. James Tyler, Cape Henry - 72

4. Luke Byrne, Bishop O’Connell - 72

8. Garrett Kuhla, Trinity Episcopal - 74

8. Benny Haggin, Woodberry - 74

10. Ben Cooper, St. Christopher’s - 75

10. Hughes Edwards, Woodberry - 75

10. Wade Jefferson, St. Christopher’s - 75

10. Tatum Walsh, St. Catherine’s - 75

More on varsity golf's VPL title--historical notes

Benny Haggin's co-medalist honors marks the 22nd time Woodberry has had the individual champion in the Prep League tournament. The VPL recognized golf as a sport in 1976. Joe Donohue was Woodberry's golf coach then and guided the Tigers to seven league titles between 1977-1985.

Between 1986-2000, Coach Tom Bond's teams won 12 VPL titles, including nine consecutive titles between 1992-2000. During that time period, Woodberry's dual match record was 108-10, and the Tigers had six undefeated seasons: 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1998, and 2000. Coach Bond then won his final VPL championship in 2003, substituting for Coach Hogan, who was on sabbatical.

Today's title is Coach Marc Hogan's 12th overall, tying him with his predecessor Coach Bond, for the most golf championships in Prep League history. Woodberry has won nine of last 11 VPL golf championships and 31 of the 44 held.

Following the Tiger victory, the Prep League coaches named Marc Hogan Coach of the Year.  

Prep League Champs

Woodberry Forest wins the 45th VPL golf championship today at Old Trail GC in Crozet, 307-310 over Trinity Episcopal. 

Benny Haggin was co-medalist with an even-par round of 72. Hughes Edwards shot his best round of the season, a one over 73. Both earn All-Prep Honors with their scores. Jack Stein shot 80 and Matthew Durham 81 to round out the scoring. Also playing were Luke McNabb and Turner Edwards, both with 84s.

The title is Woodberry's 31st in league history, more than all other schools combined.

Team Scores

Woodberry Forest - 307

Trinity Episcopal - 310

Collegiate - 316

St. Christopher's - 320

Norfolk Academy - 328

STAB - 348

All Prep 

BENNY HAGGIN (WFS), Ben Cooper (StC) - 72, co-medalist
HUGHES EDWARDS (WFS) - 73
Garrett Kuhla (TES) -75
Gabe Parker (TES), Caroline Curtis (COL), Ben Fallica (STAB) -76
Braden Moelchert (COL) - 78
Jack Limroth (NA), Mac Moore (NA), Griffin Winn (TES) - 79

Varsity golfs falls in season finale; JV finishes undefeated

The sixth-ranked Tigers traveled to Richmond yesterday to face the #4 St. Christopher's at the Independence GC. The Saints shot +1 as a team and bested Woodberry 145-152. Luke McNabb (37) was low for the Tigers, followed by Jack Stein (38), Hughes Edwards (38), and Benny Haggin (39). Alex Forward (42) and Turner Edwards (44) also played.

Woodberry finishes the regular season 8-5 and plays Tuesday in the Prep League Championship at the Old Trail GC in Crozet.

The JV golfers finished their season in style, defeated the St. Christopher's JV at home, 165-182. Meade Seay was the medalist with a 39, followed by Bennett Perry (40), John Tandberg (42), and Pipes Fitz-hugh (44). Thomas Mills and Brandt Garrard both shot 46.

The JV ends 2019 with 12-0 mark, its second consecutive undefeated season. The JV golfers have now won 20 straight matches dating back to 2017.

Tigers victorious over Saints

The sixth ranked Woodberry Forest golfers traveled to Charlottesville to face STAB at the tough Farmington CC course. The Tigers won a close 157-161 match to improve their record to 8-4. 

Benny Haggin was the medalist, firing an even par 35. Jack Stein (38), Hughes Edwards (39), and Luke McNabb (45) rounded out the scoring. Turner Edwards (46) and Alex Forward (49) also played 

The Tigers close the regular season Friday at St. Christopher’s.

Varsity golf loses at Trinity; JV golf wins quad match

The #7 Tigers traveled to Richmond to face the #5 Trinity Episcopal Titans at Salisbury Country Club. The hosts proved too much, shooting a -1 par team score of 143 to best Woodberry by 13 shots. Hughes Edwards was low for the Tigers with a +1 round of 37, followed by Benny Haggin (39), Jack Stein (40), and making his varsity debut Alex Forward (40). Also playing were Matthew Durham (43) and Luke McNabb (WD because of injury). With the loss, Woodberry drops to 5-4.

The JV golfers had better success south of the James yesterday at Windy Hill. Beau Watts (38) and Johnny Russell (39) led the Tigers (161 total) to wins over three varsity squads: St. Catherine's (162), Fuqua (189), and The New Community School (197). Meade Seay (41) and Jack Malone (43) contributed to the scoring, while Thomas Mills (44) and Winslow Newton (45) played. With the wins, JV Golf remains undefeated (9-0).

The varsity golfers have their final home match Friday vs. Collegiate and St. Anne's-Belfield at 3:30.

Varsity golf edges #2 St. Christopher's; JV remains unbeaten

The #7 ranked Tigers hosted the #2 ranked Saints in the first of two regular-season tilts between the two most accomplished independent golf programs in Virginia. The two schools have combined for 39 of the 43 Prep League titles--Woodberry has 30--and seven of eleven VISAA state titles--Woodberry has four.

Playing in windy conditions, the Tigers prevailed 151-153. Senior Jack Stein was medalist with a one over par 36, followed closely by Benny Haggin's 37. Hughes Edwards (38) and Matthew Durham (40) rounded out the scoring. Also playing for the Tigers were Luke McNabb (41) and Jack Malone (46).

Woodberry improves to 5-3 overall and next plays at Salisbury CC vs. Trinity Episcopal on Tuesday, April 23.

In Richmond, Meade Seay (40, 4 over) was the medalist at Richmond Country Club, leading the JV Tigers to a 169-175 win over the St. Christopher's JV. Alex Forward (42), Pipes Fitz-hugh (43), and Winslow Newton (44) completed the scoring. Also playing were Beau Watts (47) and Thomas Mills (48). 

JV Golf improves to 6-0 and plays on Tuesday, April 23 at Windy Hill vs. St. Catherine's and The New Community School.

Golf photos available

Check out the spring athletics photos on the Woodberry Forest School photo album.

Golfers victorious over Trinity Episcopal

The #8 ranked Tigers were in action today vs. #3 Trinity Episcopal. Woodberry's Benny Haggin fired a three under par 32 to lead the team to a 147-155 win. Senior Jack Stein carded a 36, with Luke McNabb (39) and Hughes Edwards (40) rounding out the scoring. Matthew Durham (42) and Jack Malone (50) also competed. Woodberry improves to 4-3 overall and hosts #2 St. Christopher's on Thursday.

In the JV match, Bennett Perry shot a 42 and led the Tigers to an easy 177-222 triumph. Winslow Newton (44), Alex Forward (45), and Thomas Mills (46) finished the scoring. Also playing were Pipes Fitz-hugh (47) and Meade Seay. The Tigers put their undefeated record (5-0) on the line Thursday at St. Christopher's.

Varsity golf defeats Benedictine

Playing through a steady rain, the Tigers defeated the Cadets at home 157-166. Benny Haggin fired an even par round of 35 to earn medalist honors. Matthew Durham and Luke McNabb each carded 39 (+4), while Hughes Edwards completed the scoring with a 44 (+9). Rounding out the squad were Jack Malone, also with 44 (+9), and Meade Seay with 45 (+10). Pipes Fitz-hugh (42) and Thomas Mills (42) won their exhibition match vs. Benedictine.

Woodberry now squares its record at 3-3. The Tigers next host #1 Trinity Episcopal on Tuesday.

Golf sweeps EHS

The varsity and JV golf teams were victorious today at home in their annual match vs Episcopal.

Ranked #6 in this week's state golf poll, the varsity Tigers cruised to a 149-169 win, their best result to date and improving the season's record to 2-3. Benny Haggin and Jack Stein both fired one over par 36's, while Jack Malone carded a 38. Luke McNabb rounded out the scoring with a 39. Also playing for Woodberry was Hughes Edwards (41) and Matthew Durham (42). 

With the win, Varsity Golf records its seventh consecutive win over Episcopal. The Maroon last won in 2010. Since 1986, the series stands at 23-4 in favor of the Tigers.

The JV golfers also had an easy win, 173-226, over the Episcopal. Meade Seay was the medalist with a 41, followed by Bennett Perry with a 43, Thomas Mills with a 44, and Pipes Fitz-Hugh with a 45. Also playing for the Tigers were Beau Watts (45) and Johnny Russell (51). The JV remains undefeated at 4-0.

Both varsity and JV golf will be in action on Friday. The varsity hosts Benedictine, while the JV travels to Richmond to face the Cadets.

Varsity golf loses home opener

The Tigers hosted the Little Hoyas from Georgetown Prep today and lost a thriller, 462-467. Since this match has been played, the teams agree to have a larger number of scores count in order to increase the excitement and stakes. Today's format (best six of eight scores) put Woodberry to a stern test, especially when senior Matthew Durham was forced to withdraw due to injury after 11 holes. His teammates responded, playing some of their best golf of the season.

Luke McNabb led the Tigers with a two over round of 72, followed by Benny Haggin (74), Jack Stein (75), and Hughes Edwards (80). Rounding out the Woodberry team were Pipes Fitz-Hugh (81), Jack Malone (89), and Thomas Mills (90). Gary Bullard of Georgetown Prep was the medalist with a 71.

Woodberry falls to 1-2 and plays at home on Wednesday vs. EHS.

Varsity golf loses a close one

The Tiger golfers traveled to Chantilly National CC to face Bishop O'Connell Tuesday and fell in close match, 157-161. Benny Haggin was the low scorer for Woodberry with a 39 (+3), playing even par after a triple bogey on the first hole. Luke McNabb (40), Hughes Edwards & Matthew Durham (41) rounded out the scoring. Jack Stein (42) and Thomas Mills (50) were the remaining Tiger players in the match. Jack Malone (45) and Pipes Fitz-hugh (54) played an exhibition match against two golfers from Bishop O'Connell.

Woodberry (1-2) hosts St. Anne's-Belfield on Friday at home.

Varsity golf loses at Collegiate; JV wins tri-match

The varsity golfers traveled to Richmond for their first VPL match of the year and came up on the short end, 158-162, vs. Collegiate. The victim of bad luck, Benny Haggin had to declare a lost ball on hole 7 when his tee shot lodged some thirty feet in the air in a white pine tree, and he was unable to identify his ball. The resulting triple bogey hurt an otherwise fine round. Haggin, Luke McNabb, and Hughes Edwards all carded a 40 (+4), while Jack Stein also ran into some bad luck on the last hole on the way to a 42 (+6). Jack Malone and Beau Watts made their varsity debuts, both shooting 44 (+8).

The Tigers fall to 1-1,  0-1 in the Prep League. They play next Tuesday vs. Bishop O'Connell at Chantilly National.

The JV golfers fared better, besting Collegiate and Fork Union in a home tri-match, 167-177-232. John Tandberg was the medalist with a 40 (+5), followed by Meade Seay and Bennett Perry with 41 (+6). Winslow Newton rounded out the scoring with a 45 (+10).  Pipes Fitz-Hugh fired a 46 (+11) and Johnny Russell a 49 (+14) to complete the Woodberry squad.

The JV Tigers are now 3-0. They play again Tuesday at Collegiate.

Golfers prevail amid springtime storminess

The Woodberry Forest varsity golfers opened their 2019 campaign on the road at Hunting Hawk GC vs. Benedictine. Playing in some of the most difficult conditions imaginable--cold, wind, and rain--the Tigers cruised to a 164-179 win over the Cadets. Junior Luke McNabb and fourth former Benny Haggin both carded 2 over rounds of 39 to tie for medalist. Captain Jack Stein shot 42 and fifth former Hughes Edwards completed the scoring with a 44. Two other WFS golfers played in their first varsity matches, senior Matthew Durham (49) and fourth former John Tandberg (45).

The JV golf team waited out the strong squall that pummeled the campus and bested the JV Cadets from Benedictine, 176-207. Fifth former Beau Watts was the medalist with a four over 39. Scoring for the JV Tigers were third former Bennett Perry with a 43, while fifth former Pipes Fitz-Hugh and third former Winslow Newton both had 47. Fourth former Thomas Mills (49) and fifth former Alex Forward (52) rounded out the lineup.

The varsity Tigers open Prep League play Tuesday at Collegiate. The JV golfers will host Collegiate and Fork Union here on Tuesday.

Meade Seay '21 scores hole in one

Meade Seay '21 scored his first hole in one on March 4, 2019, at Sea Island Retreat in Georgia.  He aced the 167-yard seventh hole while on the Woodberry Forest spring break golf trip organized by head varsity golf coach Marc Hogan.  

By the end of the six-day trip, golfers will have played eight different courses in the Carolinas and Georgia.