Virginia new No. 1 in latest Golfweek poll, becoming 13th Cavalier program to be ranked on top

Courtesy UVA Media Relations

For the first time in its history, the Virginia men’s golf program is ranked as the top team in the nation. In its updated rankings published Monday, Golfweek has the Cavaliers atop its college golf standings.

The ranking makes the UVA golf program the 13th sport in Virginia athletics history to earn a number-one ranking.

“It’s a great moment for our program,” said UVA head coach Bowen Sargent. “The team went out and performed well in the opening tournament, setting the school scoring record, so I’m happy for them. Now, the challenge is to continue to perform at a high level and demonstrate they deserve a recognition like this. This is a very talented group and they’re certainly capable.”

Virginia opened the season by winning the Streamsong Invitational in Bowling Green, Fla., shooting a school record 56-under par 808 to take top honors.

UVA freshman Ben James, who is ranked as the number-two individual player in the latest Golfweek ranking, won the event by shooting a school-record 20-under 196. That ties as the third best 54-hole total in known collegiate golf history. James, who entered UVA as the nation’s top-ranked junior player, did not have a bogey during the three rounds to open his collegiate career.

Virginia returns to action next week at the Inverness Collegiate at historic Inverness Club in Toledo, Ohio on Sept. 26 and 27.