Longwood junior Madison Lehr has carried the momentum from a breakout first season with the Lancers into the start of her junior year.
The Mechanicsville, Virginia native opened the 2026- 2027 season by winning the Tribe Invitational at 2 under 214 with rounds of 71, 71 and 72. Lehr won by four strokes and was the only player in the field to finish under par, earning the first collegiate victory of her career while helping Longwood capture its first team tournament title since 2012.
Career Highlights
• 2026 Tribe Invitational champion at 2 under
• First collegiate victory
• Helped Longwood win its first team tournament title since 2012
• 2026 Big South Newcomer of the Year
• All Big South Honorable Mention
• Big South All Championship Team
• Big South Women’s Golfer of the Week
• Five Top 10 finishes during her first season at Longwood
• Tied for third at the 2026 Big South Championship
• 75.07 scoring average, eighth in the Big South
• Two time MVP and First Team All District selection at Mechanicsville High School
• Two time qualifier for the boys state tournament
Finding the Right Fit at Longwood
Lehr began her college career at Western Carolina, where she competed in seven events and posted a 77.0 scoring average.
Her freshman experience helped Lehr better understand what she wanted from college golf. When she entered the transfer portal, she focused on programs closer to home and quickly connected with Longwood head coach Megan Weaver. Lehr said that after their initial conversation, she felt Longwood offered the environment she was looking for. Pasted text
The move produced immediate results.
During her first season at Longwood, Lehr posted a 75.07 scoring average and five Top 10 finishes. She finished tied for third at both the Chris Banister Golf Classic and Big South Championship, earning Big South Newcomer of the Year, All Big South Honorable Mention and Big South All Championship Team recognition.
First Collegiate Victory
Lehr carried that progress into her junior season at the Tribe Invitational.
She posted consecutive rounds of 71 before closing with a 72 to finish at 2 under 214. Lehr won by four strokes and was the only player in the field under par.
Lehr credited her familiarity with the course, improved course management and the relaxed environment created by her teammates for helping her throughout the tournament. Pasted text
The week became even more memorable when Longwood captured the team championship, its first tournament victory since 2012. Lehr described celebrating both accomplishments with her teammates, coaches and parents as a rewarding moment for a program that has continued to progress. Pasted text
Interview Highlights with CGN
Getting Started in Golf
Lehr began playing around age 10 despite coming from a family without a golf background. Her interest developed from watching people practice at local sports facilities, eventually leading her into competitive golf. Pasted text
Competing Against the Boys
At Mechanicsville High School, Lehr was a two time team MVP and First Team All District selection. She also qualified for the boys state tournament twice and believes competing in that environment helped prepare her for college golf. Pasted text
Developing at Longwood
Lehr believes Longwood’s increased roster depth will make the program stronger. With eight players on the team, qualifying has become more competitive while the players continue to support one another. Pasted text
The Mental Side of Golf
Lehr’s interest in criminal justice and understanding human behavior has also influenced her approach to golf. She recognizes that success depends on more than physical ability and places significant importance on handling the mental challenges of competition. Pasted text
Controlling What She Can
Lehr focuses on separating controllable factors from circumstances outside her control. When something goes wrong, her goal is to accept it, trust her ability and concentrate on executing the next shot rather than expecting perfection. Pasted text
CGN Angle
Lehr’s move to Longwood has helped transform the trajectory of her collegiate career.
After beginning at Western Carolina, she transferred closer to home and immediately became one of Longwood’s top players. Five Top 10 finishes, Big South Newcomer of the Year honors and a third place conference finish established that foundation during her first season with the Lancers.
Her junior season has already brought another step forward. Lehr’s first collegiate victory at the Tribe Invitational came alongside Longwood’s first team tournament championship since 2012, giving both Lehr and the program an early milestone to build on this season.