Tournament Wrap-up: VPL champions with a record score

2024 VPL Champions

The undefeated Tigers came into the 48th VPL Golf Championship at the 6600-yard, par 72-layout at the Old Trail GC in Crozet as the favorite but not having won a league title since 2019.

St. Christopher's was determined to avenge its two losses to Woodberry, and the Saints posted their best score of the season, a one-under-par mark of 287,  the lowest score in the Prep League tournament since St. Christopher's winning score of 285 in 2018 at Keswick GC.

Led by a pair of 63's (-9) from Mack Edwards and James Doyle, Woodberry shot a team- and tournament-record 270  to capture its 32nd VPL golf championship in historic fashion. The eighteen under-par mark shattered the 2018 record of (-3) held by St. Christopher's and bettered the Tigers' best VPL tournament round of 280 when the event was held here at Woodberry Forest.

Edwards had a perfect card, notching seven birdies and one eagle without a bogey. Doyle garnered eight birdies and one eagle, but bogeyed the par-three seventh hole. Both players had an incredible 30 (-6) on their back nines en route to earning All-Prep and co-Player of the Year honors.

Captain Will Brown overcame a slow start (+2 after seven holes) to finish with a one-under-par round of 71. Brown earned his fourth All-Prep award, the third Woodberry player to do so.

Henry Cardwell made his debut in the VPL tournament count by shooting a one over par 73 and earned All-Prep status.

Tommy McMillan's fine round of 74 just missed making the top ten. Chris Nabors also competed.

Ranked #1 all season, Woodberry has been invited to the VISAA golf championship in Williamsburg on Monday, May 13, where they are the defending champions.

Thanks to the parents and grandparents who came out today to support the team.

48th Virginia Preparatory League Golf Championship

Old Trail Golf Club

6600 yards, par 72

1. Woodberry Forest - 270 (-18)

2. St. Christopher's - 287

3. Collegiate - 297

4. Trinity Episcopal - 302

5. Norfolk Academy - 315

6. St. Anne's-Belfield - 340

All-Prep (top ten)

t1.  63 - James Doyle, (WFS); Mack Edwards (WFS)

3.  70 - A. Brown (STC)

t4.  71- Will Brown (WFS), G. Williams (TES)

t6.  72 -  C. Lange (STC) P. Goldman (STC), S. Hahn (COL)

t9.  73 - Henry Cardwell (WFS), G. Hall (STC)

 

Tournament Wrap-up: State champions!

2024VISAA champions

Playing the final hole of his high school golf career, Chris Nabors was deciding whether to go for the green on the par 5, 18th at Williamsburg National. Little did he know that the outcome of the 2024 VISAA state tournament hung in the balance.

Chris fired a 3-iron from 230 yards onto the green and made a two-putt birdie to shoot a five-over-par 77, a score which at the time wasn't going to count towards the Tigers' total.

Playing behind Chris, James Doyle also went for the par-five in two and pushed his second shot right into the trees. Facing a difficult pitch, James successfully put the ball close to the hole and nearly made his birdie putt. His subsequent par meant James's score of 74 had given Woodberry a tie with Paul VI at 294.

According to VISAA rules, if two teams are tied with four scores, the fifth score is used. Both Woodberry (Henry Cardwell) and Paul VI had rounds of 76. So the second tiebreaker, the sixth score, was used. Chris Nabors's 77 edged Paul VI's sixth score by one shot and gave the Tigers the title.
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Everyone on the team literally contributed to this win. Will Brown capped his high school career by firing a two-under 70 and earning All-State honors for the fourth time. Will is the first player in school and VISAA history to do so.

Mack Edwards overcame the flu and shot a 74 to win All-State honors again. James Doyle''s 74 also earned him All-State. 

Playing with a heavy heart because of the loss of his grandfather, Tommy McMillan posted a 76.

The 2024 team is the first golf team in the school's history to go undefeated and win both the Prep League and state championships, an unprecedented treble.

 

B varsity defeats Covenant and secures undefeated season

 

The B varsity Tigers hosted the Eagles of Covenant School in Charlottesville in the final regular-season match of the 2024 campaign. Using their local knowledge to their advantage on a cool and misty day, Woodberry prevailed 158-179, to secure a 16-0 record, the first undefeated regular season for Varsity Golf since 2005.

James "Gigger" Gavin was the medalist with a two-over-par round of 37. Hunter Hueman and Alfred Hoak shot a pair of 40's and George Griffin completed the scoring with a 41. Jack Wilson (43) and Bud Miller (46) also participated.

On Tuesday, the Tigers will seek their first Virginia Preparatory League title since 2019. Woodberry holds the record with 31 championships overall.

#1 Tigers remain undefeated

 

The #1-ranked Woodberry Forest Tigers traveled to Richmond and the always-tough Country Club of Virginia's Tuckahoe Creek course to face #4-ranked Collegiate. Battling a steady breeze, slick greens, and heavy pollen, the Tigers bested the Cougars 150-160.

Will Brown was the medalist with an even-par round of 36. He was followed by Mack Edwards and Henry Cardwell who both shot 37. James Doyle and James "Gigger" Gavin, making his varsity debut, fired a pair of 40. Tommy McMillan (44) also participated.

With the win, Woodberry finishes the Prep League regular undefeated (15-0, 7-0). The Varsity A group now prepares for the Prep League championship next Tuesday at the Old Trail Golf Club in Crozet. The B group plays their final match on Saturday at home against Covenant.

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Another stellar performance: The Tigers shoot even par!

 

Woodberry met Trinity Episcopal in a Prep League golf match at the Salisbury Country Club's Buckingham course. Battling cool temps and a freshening breeze, the Tigers rolled to a 144-154 victory. The even-par team score matched their season-best mark at CCV-Westhampton against St. Christopher's back on April 2nd.

Just as in the St. Chris match, Mack Edwards fired a -4 round, 32 on the par 36 Buckingham course, to earn medalist honors. Will Brown chipped in on the ninth hole for a birdie and a round of 35 (-1). James Doyle (38) and Henry Cardwell (39) completed the scoring, while Chris Nabors (42) and Hunter Hueman (43) also participated.

Woodberry improves to 13-0-1 on the year and finishes the regular season at Collegiate on Tuesday.

Senior Day = Two wins!

 

Woodberry's A team faced the Episcopal Maroon today in warm, windy conditions. Leading scorer Mack Edwards was sidelined by illness, but it didn't matter. James Doyle fired a one-under-par round (34) as the Tigers cruised past Episcopal 141 (+1) - 160. Henry Cardwell continued his strong play with an even par round of 35. Tommy McMillan and Hunter Hueman both shot 36 to complete the scoring. Will Brown (37) and Will Guthrie (41) also participated.

In the B match, Chris Nabors was the medalist with 36 as Woodberry easily won, 154-182, over Eastern Mennonite. James Gavin shot 38, while Gray Smith, Taylor Blackwell, and Bud Miller all had 40's. Jack Wilson shot a 43.

The wins move the #1 ranked Tigers to 12-0-1. They play at Trinity Episcopal on Friday.

Senior Day 2024

 

Today's matches versus Eastern Mennonite and Episcopal mark the last home events for the following seniors. Please congratulate this group of young men on their accomplishments and see them in action today beginning at 4 pm.

Gray Smith -- has been a varsity player for the past two seasons. In four matches last year, Gray averaged 40.25 strokes.  Today will be Gray's second match played this season. Gray has not yet decided where he is going to college next year.

Jack Wilson - Jack has been a two-year varsity letter winner. Last season, Jack played in two matches and averaged 42.00 strokes. This year, Jack has improved his average to 40.80. He is playing in his third match today. Jack will attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill next fall.

Hunter Hueman - Hunter has been a varsity golfer all three years at Woodberry. He played in three matches in his fourth-form year, averaging 40.33 strokes. Last year, Hunter played in five events, averaging 39.67 strokes. This year, he has improved, averaging 38.40 strokes in qualifying and two matches. Hunter will attend Wake Forest University in the fall.

Chris Nabors - A four-year varsity golfer, Chris averaged 40.50 strokes in his first season. As a fourth-former, he played in five matches, averaging 39.67 strokes. Last year, Chris made All-Prep and helped the Tigers to the 2023 VISAA state championship. He played in nine events and improved to a 38.27 stroke average. Chris has averaged 39.29 in seven matches this year. Chris will attend Wofford College in the fall.

Will Brown - A three-time All-Prep League and All-State golfer, Will ranks fourth all-time in career scoring average. Only two other WFS golfers have earned All-Prep during their first three seasons. Will is one of five Tigers who have earned All-State honors three times.

   As a third-former, Will had the third-lowest stroke average (37.72) and won the team's MVP award. The next year, Will improved his scoring average (36.33) and won his second MVP award.

   Elected captain for the 2023 season, Will had the second-best season in WFS golf history. He averaged 35.43 strokes and led the Tigers to the 2023 state championship. Will won the William H. White Golf Trophy Prize as the team's most outstanding player. He was again elected captain, the first two-time golf captain since 2007-08.

  This season Will has been the medalist in four matches. His invaluable leadership has propelled the Tigers to an undefeated season and #1 ranking in the state golf poll.

   Will has accepted a spot on the Wofford College men's golf team next year.

Woodberry rolls over Bishop O'Connell

 

The Tigers ended the week with a comfortable 146-156 win over Bishop O'Connell on yet another chilly, windy spring day at Woodberry Forest. Will Brown and Mack Edwards shot a pair of 36's (+1), followed by Tommy McMillan and Henry Cardwell each with 37. James Doyle (40) and Chris Nabors (42) also competed.

With the win, the Tigers improve to a record of 10-0-1. They host Episcopal and Eastern Mennonite on Tuesday, Senior Day.

Tigers defeat St. Chris

 

The #1 ranked Tigers faced the #3 Saints today in a battle between perennial golf powers. Trailing by five shots after the first two groups had concluded play, Woodberry rallied behind the final pair, medalist Tommy McMillan's two-under-par 33 and Mack Edwards's one-over-par 36, to post a 141-146 win.

James Doyle shot an even-par 35 and Henry Cardwell fired a 37 to complete the team score. Will Brown (39) and Hunter Hueman (41) also competed.

With the win, the Tigers improve to 9-0-1, 4-0-1 in the league. They host Bishop O'Connell on Friday.

B Varsity picks up two

 

The B Tiger golfers hosted Blue Ridge School and Veritas in blustery, cool conditions today. Woodberry came away with two easy wins 156-170 over Veritas and 156-186 over Blue Ridge.

James Gavin was the co-medalist with a two-over-par round of 37. Will Guthrie shot 38 and Bud Miller fired a 39. Taylor Blackwell and Jack Wilson had 42's. Gray Smith shot a 44.

With the wins, the Tigers improve to 8-0-1. The A group hosts St. Christopher's on Tuesday.

Tigers defeat the Maroon

 

The Tigers had the privilege of playing the Maroon at the Army/Navy Country Club in Arlington, courtesy of new EHS golf coach Charlie Moore, US Navy veteran and WFS golfer from the class of 2011. 

Since Episcopal was the host, the match was played under IAC scoring--best five of six scores. The Tigers easily prevailed 185-209. The Tigers are 18-2 this century against the Maroon, dropping matches only in 2010 and 2012.

Will Brown was the medalist with a two-under-par 34, followed closely by Mack Edwards's one-under-par 35. A single bad hole each cost Henry Cardwell (38), James Doyle (38), and Chris Nabors (40). Taylor Blackwell (42) also participated, while Tommy McMillan (38) and Wade Logan (42) won their exhibition match vs. two Episcopal golfers.

With the win, Woodberry improves to 6-0-1 overall. The B Varsity Tigers will play a tri-match on Friday at home versus Blue Ridge School and Veritas.

Varsity A takes two

 

Battling two IAC opponents, St. Alban's and Georgetown Prep, unseasonably cold temperatures, and gusty winds, the Tigers prevailed at home by a comfortable margin, 382 (WFS), 397 (GP), and 417 (STA). The match featured teams of eight, with five scores making up the teams' total.

Mack Edwards continued his strong play, firing a 68 (-2), five shots better than the next-lowest score and sixteen shots better than the average score.

Henry Cardwell stayed in good form, shooting a one-under 34 on the back nine to finish with a 73. Will Brown had a 79, and Chris Nabors and Tommy McMillan completed the team scoring with a pair of 81's.

Also competing for Woodberry were James Doyle (83), Taylor Blackwell (84), and Wade Logan (85).

The Tigers improve their record to 5-0-1 and travel to Arlington on Tuesday to face Episcopal.

B Varsity scores win over STAB

 

Today, the Varsity B Tigers faced the Saints at the cold and windy WFS GC  and came out on top, 171-183. Third former James Gavin was the medalist with a 42, followed by a trio of teammates with 43's: Jack Wilson, Will Guthrie, and Bud Miller. Hunter Hueman (44) and George Griffin (49) also participated.

Woodberry improves to 3-0-1. The A group plays tomorrow at home versus two IAC opponents, St. Alban's and Georgetown Prep.

Record Day for Tiger Golfers at St. Christopher's

 

Woodberry traveled to Richmond to face St. Christopher's at the CCV-Westhampton. Led by Mack Edwards' four-under par 30, the Tigers beat the Saints by eight shots, 136-144. The even-par score is the lowest a Woodberry golf team has ever had playing at St. Christopher's.

Mack's score ties an individual record for the lowest score in an away match (Zach Randol, '00 at Meadowcreek GC vs. Covenant), and is only bettered by Peter Knade's '16 score of 28 (-7) at home against St. Christopher's.

Henry Cardwell had a 33 (-1), James Doyle shot 35, and Will Brown carded a 38 to round out the team score. Chris Nabors (38) and Taylor Blackwell (42) also participated.

With the win, Woodberry improves to 2-0-1 overall and in the Prep League. They play at home on Saturday at 1 pm vs. St. Alban's and Georgetown Prep.

When a tie isn't a tie...Woodberry vs. Collegiate, 3/28/24

 

The Tigers hosted a young Cougar squad today. Woodberry again got off to a slow start but finished strong to tie Collegiate 146-146. 

Seniors Will Brown and Chris Nabors both shot 36, while Mack Edwards and Henry Cardwell had 37s. Collegiate's number #6, Henry Palmore, was the match medalist. He shot 34 (-1) to tie the match.

Tommy McMillan was Woodberry's fifth score (39), which tied the Collegiate #5 score. The Tigers' James Doyle (42) provided the winning margin (42) over the Cougars' last player (44).

Even though Woodberry won the tie-breaker, the match is officially recorded as a tie. The Tigers (1-0-1, 1-0-1) travel to Richmond to face St. Christopher's on Tuesday.

Tigers victorious in 2024 season opener

 

Woodberry Forest opened its 2024 campaign with a narrow 150-156 victory at home over defending Prep League champion Trinity Episcopal. The Tigers got off to a slow start--seven over par in the first three holes--but rallied to only lose three more shots over the final six.

Woodberry was led by Will Brown and Mack Edwards, who both carded two-over-par rounds of 37. Chris Nabors and James Doyle fired a pair of 38s to complete the scoring. Tommy McMillan (39) and Henry Cardwell (40) also played.

Woodberry (1-0, 1-0) plays on Thursday at home vs. Collegiate

2023 VPL Championship: Same Old Story

History repeats itself. For the third consecutive year, the Tigers came up one shot short of a Prep League title. Collegiate shot 299 to Woodberry’s 300, giving the Cougars their second title in three years. 

For the second straight season, the Tigers had five All-Prep golfers by virtue of finishing in the top 10. 

Mack Edwards shot 71 to finish third, his second All-Prep honor. Tommy McMillan (2nd All-Prep) and Will Brown (3rd All-Prep) shot 76, and Chris Nabors and James Doyle (1st time All-Prep) both fired 77.  

 

Coach Marc Hogan was later names co-Coach of the Year.

Final

Collegiate 299

Woodberry Forest 300

Trinity Episcopal 306

St. Christopher’s 308

Norfolk Academy 316

 

 

State Champions!

The Tigers put together a memorable effort and took the 2023 Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Assocation's title at Meadowbrook Country Club. The 291 score defeated second-place Collegiate by six shots. 

With the win, Woodberry garnered its sixth state title. The Tigers have participated in every VISAA Championship since its establishment in 2008.

See this article for more details.