Mustangs make their mark in NCAAs

How cool is it that two former Monticello High School golfers are competing in the NCAA Division I golf tournaments this week?

Whitney Neuhauser and Dustin Groves both played on the same Mustangs team, but went their separate ways after playing for coach Pam Bradley. Neuhauser is a member of Virginia’s women’s team and Groves plays for Wake Forest’s men’s team.

Both made their respective All-ACC teams this year, Neuhauser as a junior, Groves as a senior.

Groves, who has been described as having one of the best swings in the ACC, started Saturday’s second round of the NCAA East regionals in New Jersey, in 13th place after carding a 2-over 73 in Friday’s opening round. His score tied for the lowest by a Wake player.

Neuhauser was UVa’s highest finisher in last week’s NCAA regionals where she finished eighth overall, just seven strokes off the lead. She and her Cavalier teammates will be competing in the program’s third NCAA championships in six years this week at Caves Valley in Maryland.

Sound familiar?

A recent study found the average golfer walks about 900 miles a year.

Another study found that golfers drink, on average, about 22 gallons of alcohol a year.

That means, on average, golfers get about 41 miles to the gallon.

Kind of makes you feel like a hybrid.

VSGA scholarships

Three local kids were among the 42 recipients of Virginia State Golf Association scholarships announced last week.

The VSGA program has surpassed the $1.5 million mark in scholarship support for students in our state through the program, which is funded primarily through the VSGA’s VIP Card program. This year’s grants totaled $77,500, with $50,500 going to 15 four-year award recipients, and $24,000 going to 27 merit award winners.

St. Anne’s-Belfield senior Elizabeth Brightwell, of Nellysford, received $5,000, including the VSGA Women’s Division Spencer-Wilkinson Award. Brightwell, who will attend Virginia, is a four-year member of the Saints golf team and competes in VSGA events. She has been class president for two years.

Earlysville’s Daniel P. Walker, who has been home schooled, received a $3,000 scholarship. Walker, who will attend Richmond, also competes in VSGA championships and other events.

Western Albemarle’s Raleigh Davis, of Crozet, received $1,000, including the VSGA Women’s Division Spencer-Wilkinson Merit Award. She competes on the golf team as well as basketball team. She will also be attending UVa.

Golf rummage sale

The First Tee of Charlottesville is holding a golf equipment rummage sale, Saturday, June 6, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Meadowcreek Golf Course.

All proceeds go directly to benefit The First Tee of Charlottesville programming.

Donations are welcome. The organization is accepting gently used golf equipment.

Contact Phillip Seay or David Passerell at 970-3045.

Documentation for tax purposes will be provided if requested.

The shag bag

Two Duke professors are conducting a national study about the choices and behaviors surrounding a game of golf, about where casual golfers draw the line: Do you believe that taking a mulligan is cheating? What about “the gimme” putt? It will be interesting to see the results ... The Pepsi Dogwood Pro-Am golf tournament has been rescheduled for Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Meadowcreek. ... Two charity tournaments for your radar: Help Henley Middle School Go Green, June 11, 9 a.m., Old Trail. Contact Jeff Toms at ; and, Benefit for Mason Thomas, July 18 at Meadowcreek, 8 a.m., benefiting Mason Thomas, diagnosed in 2005 with a rare form of neuroblastoma. Contact Amy Bishop at 882-4627.