The Glenvar golfers opened the 2026 season with an appearance in the annual Botetourt Metro Tournament last week. The Highlanders finished 13th among 18 teams with a team score of 324, with just six strokes separating teams in ninth through 15th place.
“We were able to shoot three shots better than last year,” said GHS coach Shawn Duff.
Glenvar had strong play from John Deel and Mason Young, who shot 74 and 77. Easton Quesenberry came home with a workman-like 86, and Jack Osburn rounded out the scoring with an 87.
“We have a lot to work on and grow, but overall a very solid start and proud of the teams’ efforts,” said Duff.
James River’s Landon Bolling and the Auburn High School team were the big winners in the Metro. Bolling was the individual medalist and Auburn was the team champion in the annual event that traditionally tees off the high school golf season.
Bolling, a senior, shot a four-under-par 67 for the tournament, beating Gaston Wimmer by one stroke and Liam Smith by two. Wimmer and Smith both play for Auburn, that won the team championship with a score of 289, just five strokes over par for their combined four scoring players. Auburn won the big trophy after finishing second behind Floyd County last summer.
Second place went to Cave Spring, 14 strokes behind the Eagles at 303. Then it gets close as Blacksburg and E.C. Glass tied for third at 306 and James River was just one stroke behind them at 307 for fifth place.
The Highlanders had their first Three Rivers District match last Thursday at the Forest Park course in Martinsville. Floyd won the round with a 317 followed by Radford at 320 and James River at 324. James River’s Mason Gilliland was medalist with a 73, edging Hunter Crist of Radford by one stroke.
Glenvar was fifth on the day with a 339, led by Deel with a 77. Young and Maddox Burbage were next at 87 and Jackson Jones rounded out the scoring with an 88.
“Last year the team shot a 345 and improved to 339 this year,” said Duff. “We have lots of ways we can improve. We appreciate the guys’ efforts and look forward to seeing improvement over the course of the year and watching them grow in the game.”
Glenvar’s next scheduled match is Thursday, Aug. 27, when the Highlanders host the Three Rivers District for a match at the Hanging Rock Golf Club.
