The VHSL (Virginia High School League) Group AAA State Golf Championship lived up to its name, at least on day one, and at least for Nansemond River’s two representatives in the state tournament, on Monday at Lorton’s Laurel Hill Golf Club.

Nansemond River senior Travis Johnson shot a six-over par 77 to get to the halfway point in the tournament in 24th place out of 70 players. NR sophomore Bryce Strong shot an 82. It’s the first time the Warriors have sent two golfers to the state championship in the same season.

Laurel Hill, with the high schoolers playing from the blue tees, making for a course of par 71 and 6,730 yards, boasts six par fours stretching longer than 400 yards.

“It’s the hardest course they’ve ever seen,” texted NR head coach Craig Stephenson following Monday‘s play.

Laurel Hill has five par threes with yardages of 212 yards on one and 223 on another.

Two Richmond-area golfers led the field through the first round. Mark Lawrence, Jr. of Mills Godwin and Griffin Clark of Thomas Dale shot one-under par 70s to be co-leaders by two shots.

Nansemond River won the Southeastern District season championship with a perfect record in nine district dual matches. It’s the first Southeastern title for the Warrior golf program.

The Warriors finished third in the Eastern Region Tournament last week at Bide-A-Wee Golf Course, missing out on a team spot at states by one place.