Trophies for the 26th annual Commissioner’s Cup high-school golf tournament at Valleybrook Golf Course in Blackwood.
A competitive spirit set the stage at Valleybrook Golf Course in Gloucester Township on April 29 as Camden County’s most talented high-school golfers gathered for the 26th annual Commissioner’s Cup Tournament.
Hosted by the county board of commissioners, the event saw 22 schools and more than 80 student-athletes compete for individual and team honors, a tradition that has highlighted athletic excellence and sportsmanship for more than two decades.
Launched in the late 1990s, the Commissioner’s Cup was created not only to recognize athletic achievement but to foster camaraderie among schools across the county. Each year, public and private high schools are invited to send up to four players to represent them in a one-day, 18-hole tournament that crowns both individual and team champions in boys’ and girls’ divisions.
This year, 17 boys’ teams and five girls’ teams hit the greens at Valleybrook, an 18-hole course in Blackwood that challenges even seasoned adult golfers with its rolling fairways and tight greens. Despite some stiff competition and tricky pin placements, the players showcased skill and composure.
In the boys’ individual category, Highland High School’s Mac Weldon took top honors, edging out Jack Kelly-Lyons of Camden Catholic and Matthew Duphorn of Paul VI, who placed second and third respectively. On the girls’ side, Sophia Greenwood of Paul VI claimed first place, followed by Loren Pryor of Eastern High and Annalise Capoli, also from Paul VI. Greenwood’s steady short game and putting drew praise from coaches and spectators alike.
Team standings were equally competitive. In the boys’ team division, Cherry Hill East clinched first place while Camden Catholic and Eastern earned second- and third-place finishes, continuing strong past performances.
In the girls’ team division, Paul VI continued to dominate with a first-place finish, thanks in large part to Greenwood and Capoli’s play. Haddonfield High earned runner-up honors and rounded out the girls’ competition.
County Commissioner Deputy Director Ed McDonnell praised the student-athletes for their performance and the values they brought to the event.
“These students showed great talent on the course and really gave it their all,” he said. “This event always brings out the best in the community and in these student-athletes. We commend all the participants and are already excited for next year’s tournament.”
The Commissioner’s Cup has grown in both prestige and participation over the years. It is not only a celebration of athletic skill but also of the hard work and discipline it takes to succeed in golf, a sport that demands patience, strategy and mental toughness. The tournament is also a point of pride for parents; coaches; and school communities, many of which come out in full support of their athletes each year.
