The Capitol Region began play this past weekend at Colonial Heritage Golf Club in Williamsburg, VA. Present were thirteen teams including perennial powerhouse Virginia and the always formidable James Madison and Virginia Tech. The course proved to be a challenge. Perhaps increasing the difficulty was both the varying temperature and breeze over the two-day event. Both days were primarily overcast, yet the weather did not stop Towson’s Andrew Wiley from firing an impressive 4 under 68 to take a commanding four shot lead after day one over Virginia’s Christian Dolan. The team competition was much closer after the first day. Only five shots separated the top three teams with Virginia Tech leading James Madison by one stroke and Virginia by five.
The second day began with a close race to secure precious points towards Nationals in November. One team, however, pulled away. James Madison, led by three scores on day two of one under 71, posted an impressive 12 over team total of 372, pulling away from both Virginia and Virginia Tech. With James Madison earning six points towards Nationals it became a fight for second and a close one at that. In the end, Virginia Tech came out one shot ahead of Virginia to earn second place and three points towards nationals. Virginia earned one point with its third place finish.
In the individual competition, Andrew Wiley remained steady on day two posting a one under par 71 and a two-day tournament total of five under 139. Wiley’s lead grew to eight strokes after day two. Tyler Wallace and Robert Zehnder of James Madison tied for second place at three over par, each firing a final round 71. Christian Dolan, seemingly always in contention at NCCGA events, finished in fourth place at four over par after a final round 76.
The first NCCGA Capitol Regional of fall proved to be a successful event. A good test of golf, Colonial Heritage was able to test players and at the same time allow for good scores to be made. Thanks to the staff at Colonial Heritage for helping make the event run as smoothly as it did. If the play at Colonial Heritage is any indication, the upcoming regional at Forest Greens Golf Club in Triangle, VA is sure to be another great event.