By Randolph Campbell

As the spring sports season is coming to a close during May, Collegiate’s varsity golf team still has aspiring goals, as the state tournament is just around the corner. Over the past two seasons, the Cougars have dominated the state, winning back-to-back state championships in 2021 and 2022. In 2021, the Cougars finished with a record of 18-3. In 2022, they finished 17-6, with another state championship to bring back to Mooreland Road. 

Photo courtesy of Collegiate School.

Prior to this season, the team and many others expected a dominating performance, an expectation that they have definitely answered, holding a record of 12-3, winning the Prep League tournament last week, and with the state tournament today. The talent on this year’s team has been spectacular and very dominant, as they have four players who will be competing at the NCAA level, along with plenty of younger talent. After the Cougars’ exceptional performance at the Prep League tournament, Tyler Brand (‘23) (playing next year at Dartmouth College), Hudson Pace (‘23) (Lafayette College), and Tucker Smith (’23) and Jack Barnes (‘23) (Hampden-Sydney College) all earned All-League honors, which is very impressive, considering all the talent in the Virginia Prep League.

Current Middle School Dean of Students (and future Middle School Head) Jeff Dunnington (’01), the varsity boys golf coach, is also preparing for the team’s success in the future. Along with a talented junior in Sam Hahn (‘25), the Cougars have a promising freshman, Quinn Pace (‘26), brother of Hudson. Henry Palmore (’25) is also a gifted underclassmen, contributing to the team as a sophomore. Along with these two, this year’s JV team went undefeated, featuring two 7th Graders, AJ Mukhurjee (‘28) and Thomas Galante (‘28). There is definitely much to look forward for Collegiate golf, as the talent keeps rolling into the varsity level. 

Hahn has been a key x-factor for this program ever since he joined varsity in 8th Grade. Hahn is looking forward to reaching his goal of playing Division I golf, following the footsteps of many Collegiate golfers in the past. Ahead of the state tournament, I interviewed Hahn (‘25) about the team’s plan to complete a three-peat with the state title, and he said: “Going into May and playoff season, we need to stay prepared mentally and trust our talent when we step onto the course.”

As an individual who plays golf as a hobby and enjoys watching major golf tournaments like the Masters and the PGA Tournament, I believe that the most successful players are able to have a stable mindset in order to play their best golf. Many of us golf fans in the Collegiate community are confident that the golf team will complete this three-peat. Hahn said, “We are definitely confident in our chances this year. The talent we have on this team is unmatched, and I think we feed off each other when we are all playing solid golf.”  

Photo credit: Hudson Pace.

When asked about the impact Dunnington has had on his Collegiate golf career, Hudson Pace stated, “Ever since I made the team in 8th Grade, he has not only been a good coach but has also been someone that has helped me through Collegiate and someone I’ve grown to know very well.” The Collegiate golf community is sad to see Dunnington step down from his role as head coach as he steps up to be Middle School Head next year, but we have faith that the program will stay in great hands. 

I asked both Hudson Pace and Barnes about what they are looking forward to the most about playing at the next level in the NCAA. Pace stated, “I am looking forward to playing against a higher level of competition, as well as the more difficult courses we will play.” Barnes and Smith will both be playing at Hampden-Sydney in Farmville. Barnes said, “I am excited to be playing with Tucker for the next four years, and we’re excited about the talent they already have. Hopefully we can win an ODAC conference championship during my time there.”  

The legacy of winning for Collegiate golf will hopefully continue for years to come. Dunnington and the seniors have definitely set the tone for the past three years as to what the expectations are for each golf season. The state championship takes place today, Monday, May 15, at Meadowbrook Country Club at 12:30 p.m.