By Brian Hoffman
The Salem High golf team didn’t enter the Heritage Invitational until two weeks before it teed off, but now they’re glad they did. Salem came out on top among close to 20 teams in the annual event that has traditionally opened the high school season.
“It was a nice way to open the season,” said Salem coach Thad Snyder. “I love it for the kids. They work so hard on their own they were ready to play. They’re out there six days a week grinding, whether we have practice or not. They just love the game.”
Salem finished with a team score of 302, three strokes better than River Ridge District rival Blacksburg. Western Albemarle was third at 317.
Spartan sophomore Kathryn Ha, one of the top female players in the state, was medalist with a three-under-par 69. Second overall was her Salem teammate, Macy Johnson, who carded an even par 72. Senior Trey Joyce was third for Salem at 80 and Taylor Davis shot 81, giving the Spartans three girls in the top four for their winning total.
The win marked the fourth time Salem has won the invitational, which is now the John Scott Heritage Invitational in honor of former Heritage High athletic director John Scott. The last time Salem won it was in 2011.
Now the Spartans will turn their attention to the Botetourt Metro Invitational at the Botetourt Golf & Swim Club next Tuesday. Salem will be playing without Ha, who has a prior commitment to play in another tournament. School doesn’t open in Salem for another three and a half weeks.
The Botetourt Metro will include most area teams and tournament director Jeff Sprinkle has also invited some other strong teams from around the state to make for the best competition possible. The tournament is a one-day affair and replaces the long-time Bob McLelland Metro Tournament, which was discontinued during the COVID pandemic.