Loading article...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading article...
see also: John Hunter, Valentine Invitational, a historic Virginia Mid-Am and Senior golf tournament, Hermitage Country Club
A clutch birdie on 18 sealed the win in both divisions.
Mid-Am Champion: John Hunter — 204 (-12)
John Hunter capped off a thrilling Sunday with a birdie on the 72nd hole, draining a 30-foot putt on the Sabot course to secure a one-shot victory. His rounds of 66 (Sabot), 68 (Manakin), and 70 (Sabot) gave him a total of 204 (-12), edging Kyle Downey by one stroke.
| Pos | Player | To Par | R1 | R2 | R3 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | John Hunter | -12 | 66 VSab | 68 VMan | 70 VSab | 204 |
| 2 | Kyle Downey | -11 | 64 VSab | 68 VMan | 73 VSab | 205 |
| 3 | Jordan Utley | -10 | 65 VSab | 72 VMan | 69 VSab | 206 |
| 4 | Blake Micholas | -8 | 70 VSab | 67 VMan | 71 VSab | 208 |
| T5 | Drew Brockwell | -6 | 74 VSab | 67 VMan | 69 VSab | 210 |
| T5 | Kyle Bailey | -6 | 65 VSab | 70 VMan | 75 VSab | 210 |
Brian Quackenbush of Aiken, SC dominated the Senior Division with consistent play across all three rounds. Quackenbush posted scores of 68 (Manakin), 69 (Sabot), and a final-round 67 (Sabot) for a total of 204 (-12), matching Hunter’s Mid-Am total and clinching the Senior title by a single stroke over Scott Shingler.
His final day included a clutch birdie on Sunday’s back nine that sealed his victory in the Senior Division.
| Pos | Player | To Par | R1 | R2 | R3 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brian Quackenbush | -12 | 68 VMan | 69 VSab | 67 VSab | 204 |
| 2 | Scott Shingler | -11 | 64 VMan | 67 VSab | 74 VSab | 205 |
| 3 | Steve Serrao | -10 | 71 VMan | 68 VSab | 67 VSab | 206 |
| 4 | Tony Good | -3 | 72 VMan | 70 VSab | 71 VSab | 213 |
| T5 | Yancey Johnson | E | 70 VMan | 75 VSab | 71 VSab | 216 |
| T5 | Chris Cassetta | E | 71 VMan | 72 VSab | 73 VSab | 216 |
In the height of the Great Depression, Richmond business owner Frederick S. Valentine generously donated an extravagant silver trophy in support of Hermitage Country Club and the new amateur golf tournament that had been established.
In 1931, golf professional Tommy Galloway organized a premier amateur tournament to be hosted at Hermitage. Member and local businessman Frederick S. Valentine donated a trophy for the event and The Valentine Invitational was born.
Over the years the Valentine Invitational has become one of the most prestigious amateur events in the Mid-Atlantic. Past champions include Virginia Golf Hall of Famers Vinny Giles (2), Keith Decker (4), David Partridge (5 Championship, 2 Senior), Richard Smith (1), Wynsol Spencer (1), and Wayne Jackson (3). Other notable champions include Richmond legend Nelson Broach (5) and the Hermitage father-son pair Mark Lawrence (3) and Mark Lawrence Jr. (2). The event annually attracts an elite amateur field with competitors who have teed it up in the Masters, U.S. Opens, U.S. Senior Opens, U.S. Amateurs, U.S. Mid-Amateurs, and more.
The Valentine has been hosted by Hermitage Country Club since the event began in 1931. 54 holes of individual stroke play on Hermitage’s Manakin and Sabot golf courses. The field has a Mid-Amateur division and a Senior division (ages 50 and over). Gi...
Meet the Amateurs in the 2026 Masters: Six Different Paths to Augusta National
Mar 22, 2026From teenage phenoms to seasoned dreamers, the amateur class at the 2026 Masters brings six compelling stories to Augusta
FINAL RESULTS: 2026 Junior Invitational at Sage Valley
Mar 14, 2026Miles Russell surged with a closing 67 to reclaim the boys title while Asterisk Talley dominated the girls division at Sage Valley
San Francisco City Championship: Champions Crowned
Mar 22, 2026Joey Hayden, Gianna Singh, Bob Niger, and Jeff Thomas capped championship week with title-winning performances at Harding Park.
Gary Woodland Wins Houston Open in Emotional Comeback After Brain Surgery
Mar 30, 2026Gary Woodland’s Houston Open win is a reminder of why perseverance matters in golf
2026 Augusta National Women's Amateur: Full Field Preview, Favorites & How to Watch
Mar 30, 202648 of the top 50 players in the world. Two past champions. One teenager who lost by a single stroke last year.