UMS-Wright Bulldogs Shine at the 2025 David Miller Memorial Tournament

The 2025 high school golf season kicked off this week with the annual David Miller Memorial Tournament, a prestigious event held in honor of David Miller, a former UMS-Wright student and golfer. This invitational tournament brings together 18 of Alabama's top golf programs, making it the perfect stage for the first major competition of the season. The event also provides an opportunity to remember the life and legacy of David Miller, with guest speakers and his family in attendance.

This year's tournament took place at the beautiful Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail's Magnolia Grove course, which was in excellent condition, ready to challenge the competitors. Although the weather was warm the week before, the opening day presented additional obstacles with cold temperatures and gusty winds, testing the golfers' skills and resilience.

The UMS-Wright Bulldogs put on a strong performance during the first round, finishing in third place with a six-over-par 294. Senior Thomas Crane, who has signed with Troy University, led the charge for the Bulldogs with an impressive two-under-par 70. Freshman Henry Brown also showed his talent, posting a one-under-par 71, while Junior Parker Crabtree shot a 74. Sophomore Witt Cayce carded a 79, and Junior Hunter Smallwood completed the round with an 82. After the first day, the Bulldogs were just four strokes behind the leaders, Mountain Brook, and only two strokes behind second-place Vestavia Hills.

On Tuesday, the weather warmed up, and so did the Bulldogs' play. They posted an impressive two-under-par 286, but it wasn't quite enough to catch the top two teams. Mountain Brook and Vestavia Hills maintained their strong positions, and UMS-Wright ultimately finished in third place. Vestavia Hills shot one-under-par for the day, edging out UMS-Wright by just one stroke. However, Mountain Brook made a statement on day two with an outstanding 17-under-par 271, capturing the tournament with a 15-under-par total score.

Freshman Henry Brown had a standout day on Tuesday, shooting a stellar five-under-par 67, while Thomas Crane added a solid 71. Both players earned spots on the All-Tournament team for their exceptional performances over the two days. Sophomore Witt Cayce also played well, posting an even-par 72 on the second day. Juniors Hunter Smallwood and Parker Crabtree shot 76 and 83, respectively.

Despite falling just short of the top spot, the Bulldogs' performance at the David Miller Memorial Tournament was a promising start to the 2025 season. With strong leadership from seniors like Crane and the emergence of young talent such as Brown, UMS-Wright looks poised to be a competitive force in Alabama high school golf this year.

UMS-Wright's Individual's Scores

Senior Pierce Guy (85/77)

Junior Tate McAnnally (93/80)

Freshman Jackson Stubbs (84/79)

Freshman Lowery Church (86/83)