DANIELS, W. Va.—Thanks to a dominating performance in team play on Saturday, Virginia rolled to an early lead and did enough on Sunday to claim a 16-12 victory in the 38th playing of the Virginia-West Virginia Team Matches, held at Glade Springs Resort’s Woodhaven Course.
Virginia ran its unbeaten streak in the series to 13, having won 12 times during that span with one tie in 2018. West Virginia last won the matches in 2009. Virginia holds a 32-4-2 overall lead in the series.
Virginia set the tone early, taking 4 ½ out of seven points in Saturday morning foursome (alternate shot) action. The sides of Ryan Patrick and Ryan Bishop, Evan Beck and Dustin Groves, Phil Mahone and David Williams Jr., and Jim Woodson and John Steele won their matches. Adam Houck and Marshall Tinsley forged a tie with Cam Roam and Philip Reale for another half point.
Virginia was dominant in Saturday afternoon four-ball, winning 5 ½ points to build a 10-4 lead at the end of the first day of play. All four sides who won in foursome play won again in the afternoon, and the side of Buck Brittain and Steve Serrao added another point with a win. Justin Young and Garland Green tied their match to earn another half point.
The cushion was necessary, as West Virginia won eight of the 14 singles matches. Virginia needed just four points in the singles session to retain Ye Ole Feudin Stick, and it reached that mark when Young closed out Reale 6 and 5.
Virginia’s super senior combo of Steele and Woodson each earned the full three points on the weekend. Tinsley earned 2 ½ points in his three matches.
The annual matches will return to Virginia in April 2023.