Player of the Year -- P.J. Leonard

Battlefield senior P.J. Leonard shot 75 to help Battlefield place second at the Cougar Classic. His 73 helped Bobcats win Cedar Run District title. Was third at the Northwest Region tournament with a team-best 74. Tied for seventh at the Group AAA state match with a 1-under par 71.

What was your most memorable moment from this season? 

“Making it to states was a big deal and winning regionals and districts. Anything we accomplished was a big deal. Knowing it’s my last year for high school golf, it’s pressure. I didn’t want to let anyone down. I knew I wanted to get to states. It was just whether we played up to our ability or not.”

What do you like most about golf?

“You can’t ever give up. You have to keep fighting because you never know what happens next. You have to focus on your own game, and not anyone else’s. You’re in control of what you do.” 

What is the hardest part of golf?

“Definitely keeping your emotions in check whether you hit a bad shot or make a mistake.”

Who has been your biggest influence in golf?

“My dad. He’s always pushing me to do better. He always wants me to practice and get better.”

What improvements did you make in your game this year?

“My short game and my chipping and putting. I had a good feel around the greens. I putted pretty well.”

What did you see in those improvements that led you to believe they were helping your game?

“When I missed greens, I could get up and down and save par. My putts, even my long putts, were closer to the hole. I didn’t have as many three putts as I used
to. I was more consistent rolling the ball.”

What plans do you have for college and will you play in college?

“I’m looking into that right now. I have a couple schools in mind. I haven’t committed anywhere. I’m definitely keeping my options open.”

Tom Metts

Battlefield's Tom Metts continued to help the Bobcats go upward. Battlefield was a model of consistency with two wins and two second-place finishes during the first part of August. It was also fourth in an 18-school tournament on Aug. 24. Battlefield won the Cedar Run District and Northwest Region titles. Its fourth-place showing at the Group AAA state tournament was its best in its eight-year history.

Chad McCann | Stonewall, Freshman

McCann’s experience paid off as he enjoyed a solid season. He shot a 71 to win the Cedar Run District individual title and placed among the top three during the eight regular season tournaments the Raiders competed in during the regular season. He has competed in tournaments sincehe was five and has enhanced his knowledge of the game by competing in some junior golf association tournaments.

Terry Smith | Patriot, Junior

Smith’s average score was 75.2.He finished fifth among individual competitors at the Curly Licklider Tournamentwith an even par through 27 holes. That tournament had more than 180 golfers. Smith shot an 80 at the Cedar Run District match. His 77 at the Northwest Region match gave him the best individual showing. He placed ninth among individual golfers at the Group AAA state tournament with a two-day total of 157.

Adam Szwed | Woodbridge, Freshman

Szwed made quite an impression as he burst onto the high school scene this year. He won seven regular season matches and the Cardinal District tournament on Sept. 27. Szwed shot a 78 at the district  tournament and helped the Vikings total 342 points to capture the crown. Szwed concluded his season by shooting a 79 on day two of the Group AAA state golf match to finish tied for 10th among those who qualified individually.

Karishma Thiagaraj | Battlefield, Senior

Thiagaraj elevated her game at the end of August. She shot a 4-under par 32 to help the Bobcats beat Patriot in a Cedar Run District match. Thiagaraj shot a 78 during the Northwest Region Tournament. On  day two of the Group AAA state golf match, Thiagaraj shot a 4-over par 76. She continued to excel by finishing second at the girls state tournament. She lost on the second playoff hole.

Khushboo Thiagaraj | Battlefield, Sophomore

Thiagaraj shot a team-best one under par 34 as Battlefield defeated district foe Broad Run on Sept. 12.She finished with a 76 as the Bobcats won the Cedar Run District championship. A solid outing came during the girls state tournament when Thiagaraj finished tied for seventh at the event in Williamsburg. Thiagaraj returned to the state match following a fifth-place showing in the event in 2010.