St Leonards Excel at the 2026 Independent International Invitational

11 May 2026

St Leonards returned to the Independent International Invitational this May, competing against leading independent school golf programmes from across the US and beyond. Returning as defending champions, the team finished second overall following another outstanding tournament, held this year at Fox Hopyard Golf Club in Connecticut, while Fraser M in Year 10 claimed the Boys Individual title. 

The tournament brought another strong set of performances for the Golf Academy in an exceptionally competitive international field. Fraser won the individual competition with an incredible score of -4 at just 15 years old, while Jackson T also impressed with a 4th place finish on +1. In the girls competition, Hannah S finished tied 8th on +15, with Florentina F placing 10th on +17.

Led by Director of Golf Fintan Bonner, the group travelled across New Jersey, Connecticut and Massachusetts during the trip, visiting some of the most prestigious college campuses in the United States, including Princeton, Yale, Rutgers, Williams College and the University of Connecticut. Along the way, pupils spent time with university coaches, admissions staff and current student athletes, gaining unparalleled insight into the world of US college golf.

After a packed week of travel and competition, the team returned home to a very St Leonards welcome, greeted by the whole school gathered outside on Birdcage to celebrate their return. To come away from such a demanding tournament with another podium finish was a massive achievement, and the pupils once again represented St Leonards brilliantly on and off the course on the international stage. We are already looking forward to 2027.