Virginia Cavaliers Dominate ACC Golf Awards: Three Players Honored, Coach Recognized
The Virginia Cavaliers are celebrating a landmark year in men’s
golf, achieving unprecedented success in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Three
standout players,
Paul Chang,
Ben James, and
Bryan Lee, have earned All-ACC honors.
Adding to the accolades, tony Markel Family Men’s Golf Head Coach
Bowen Sargent
has been named ACC Coach of the Year for the second time in his distinguished career.
Historic Season for Virginia Golf
The 2025 ACC Champions, Virginia, matched a school record with three All-ACC selections,
standing out as the only program with three players on this year’s esteemed team.
Sargent’s ACC Coach of the Year award marks his first such honor as 2010, highlighting
the program’s resurgence under his leadership.
Earlier this month,Sargent was also named the 2025 Golf Pride Grips East Region Coach of
the year and was a finalist for the prestigious Dave Williams Award,annually bestowed
upon college golf’s National Coach of the Year. The 2024-25 Cavaliers concluded their
season as the National Runner-Up after an impressive run to the NCAA Championship match
in Carlsbad, California.
Notably, Virginia was the sole program nationwide to reach the match play portion of the
NCAA Championships in each of the last three seasons. The team’s journey included their
17th consecutive appearance at NCAA Regionals, fueled by their historic first-ever ACC
Championship victory in Bowling green, Kentucky.
Individual Accolades: Paul Chang
In just his second year with the program, Paul Chang has swiftly made his mark, earning
both an honorable mention All-America distinction from the Golf Coaches Association of
America (GCAA) and All-ACC accolades in the same week. Chang emerged as UVA’s standout
golfer, clinching medalist honors at the NCAA Reno Regional with an impressive 10-under
206.
This achievement places him as only the second Cavalier in program history to secure an
individual NCAA Regional title. His prowess extended to match play, where he recorded a
4-1 record, including two pivotal wins at the ACC Championships.
Ben James: A Consistent Performer
Ben James continues to solidify his legacy as he earns his third-consecutive All-ACC
selection. He now stands alongside esteemed former Cavaliers such as Ben Kohles (2010-12),
Denny mccarthy (2012-15),Derek Bard (2015-17),and Simon Cooke (1994-96) as the only
Cavaliers to receive this recognition three times.
James was further honored as a first Team All-American by the GCAA and Golfweek for the
third-straight season. During the 2024 season, he participated in 11 tournaments, securing
top-10 finishes in seven of them.His exceptional performance in September led to him being
named ACC Golfer of the Month after winning the Valero Texas Collegiate, earning him an
exemption into the PGA Tour’s Valero Texas Open. Looking ahead,James is set to compete in
the 2025 U.S.Open at Oakmont and the John Deere Classic in Silvis, Illinois.
Bryan Lee: Clutch Performances
Bryan Lee earns his second-straight appearance on the All-ACC team, building upon his
recognition in the 2023-24 season. He also secured a spot on the 2024-25 PING East
All-Region team for the second time, underscoring his consistent excellence.
At the ACC Championships, lee showcased his skills by leading the opening round with a
5-under, 67 and finishing T-6 in individual competition. He anchored all three match play
rounds at the ACC Championship, notably winning his semifinal match on the 21st hole against
Clemson and rallying to clinch UVA’s first-ever ACC Championship on the 18th hole. Lee is
set to make his PGA Tour debut at the U.S. Open.
Historical Context
this year’s three All-ACC selections match the 2012 squad of Ben Kohles, Ben Rusch, and
Denny McCarthy, marking the most in program history.
The ACC Men’s Golf Championship has been held annually since 1954, showcasing the best collegiate golf talent in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
2025 ACC Men’s Golf Honorees
2025 ACC Men’s Golf Player of the year: David Ford, North Carolina
2025 ACC Men’s Golf Freshman of the Year: Albert Hansson, Georgia Tech
2025 ACC Men’s Golf Coach of the Year: Bowen Sargent, Virginia
2025 All-ACC Men’s Golf Team
- Bryan Kim, Duke
- Luke clanton, florida State
- Tyler Weaver, Florida State
- Benjamin Reuter, Georgia Tech
- Sebastian Moss, Louisville
- David Ford, North Carolina
- Nick Mathews, NC State
- Jacob Modleski, Notre Dame
- Zach Kingsland, SMU
- William Sides, SMU
- Nathan Wang, Stanford
- Paul Chang, Virginia
- Ben James, virginia
- Bryan Lee, Virginia
- Scott Kennon, Wake Forest
- Marshall Meisel, Wake Forest
The Evolution of Collegiate Golf
Collegiate golf has evolved significantly over the past few decades, becoming a highly
competitive arena that serves as a breeding ground for future PGA Tour stars. Programs
like Virginia have invested heavily in facilities, coaching, and recruiting to attract top
talent.
The emphasis on year-round training, sports psychology, and advanced analytics has
elevated the level of play, making college golf a crucial stepping stone for aspiring
professionals. The success of Virginia’s
golf team reflects these broader trends in the sport.
Keep an eye on collegiate golf programs as a predictor of future talent on the PGA Tour.
Many top players honed their skills in college before turning professional.
Comparing Key Achievements
| Achievement | Virginia (2025) | Previous Best |
|---|---|---|
| All-ACC Selections | 3 | 3 (2012) |
| ACC Coach of the Year | Bowen sargent | N/A (since 2010) |
| NCAA Championship finish | Runner-Up | N/A |
frequently Asked Questions About ACC Men’s Golf
- Who was named ACC Men’s Golf Coach of the Year?
-
Bowen Sargent, the head coach of the Virginia cavaliers men’s
golf team, received the honor. - How many Virginia cavaliers were selected for the All-ACC Men’s Golf Team?
- Three Virginia Cavaliers, Paul Chang, Ben James, and bryan Lee, were selected.
- What is Ben James known for in ACC Men’s Golf?
-
Ben James is recognized as a three-time All-ACC selection, joining a select group of
Cavaliers. - What accomplishment did Bryan Lee achieve at the ACC Championship?
-
Bryan Lee played a crucial role in UVA’s ACC Championship victory, winning his semifinal
match. - What is notable about Paul Chang’s performance this season?
-
Paul Chang earned an honorable mention All-America distinction and All-ACC accolades,
highlighted by his medalist honors at the NCAA Reno Regional.
What are your thoughts on Virginia’s
golf success? Share your predictions for their performance next season in the comments
below!
