WILLIAMSBURG, Va. – William & Mary head men's golf coach Tim Pemberton announced the signings of Preston Burton (Charlottesville, Va. / Charlottesville HS) and Luke Walmet (Charleston, S.C. / Bishop England) to National Letters of Intent on Friday. The pair will join the Tribe as freshmen during the 2023-24 season.
 
"We're thrilled to welcome Luke and Preston to the W&M Golf Program," Pemberton said. "Both excel academically and had outstanding junior golf careers. They've proven they can win at the highest levels, and we're excited for their potential to provide an immediate impact next year."
 
Preston Burton (Charlottesville, Va. / Charlottesville HS)
Burton won the VHSL Class 3 State Championship in October, carding a 3-under 69. During his high school career, he also claimed two regional championships and three district titles. He carded career-best rounds of 66 as both a junior and a senior.
 
Burton won the 2021 VSGA State Junior Stroke Play 16-18 age group, shooting 5-under over three days at the Roanoke Country Club. He also qualified for the State Match Play Championship in 2021, posting 6-under during the two-day, stroke-play qualifying.
 
In his junior career, Burton qualified for IMG Junior Worlds in both 2021 and 2022; qualified for the Capitol Cup in 2021; represented Virginia in the Mid-Atlantic Invitational; and qualified for the VSGA State Am in 2020 and 2022 and the State Open in 2022.
 
Pemberton on Burton
"Preston is as competitive as it gets. His game is well-rounded, and he has exceptionally advanced shot-making skills.  He grew up playing Farmington Country Club in Charlottesville, which is a great classic course and tests all facets of your game.  He's a consistent, reliable player, who has proven he can shoot low scores in big events." 
 
Luke Walmet (Charleston, S.C. / Bishop England)
Walmet led his Bishop England team to a pair of state titles and two runner-up finishes over the last four seasons. Individually, he won the SCHSL AAA Region and Lower State Championships in 2021. Walmet is currently ranked No. 170 overall on the Junior Golf Scoreboard and was as high as No. 2 in South Carolina's Class of 2023.
 
Over the last three years, Walmet has finished in the top five at six nationally ranked junior events. He was the runner-up at 2022 SCJGA events in the Beth Daniel Junior Azalea and Cheraw Fall Challenge. Walmet finished third at the AJGA Matthew NeSmith Junior Championship; fourth at the SCGA Junior Championship and CGA Hope Valley Junior Invitational in 2020 and fifth at the 2021 SCJGA Junior Heritage.
 
In 2021, Walmet was the Daniel Island Club Junior Club Champion. He also participated in the Can-Am Junior Team Matches and the Watson Cup in 2022.
 
Pemberton on Walmet
"Luke is a tremendous talent, equally gifted in the classroom and on the golf course. He's full of energy and excels at everything he does. His work ethic and course management skills are just one of the many strengths he'll bring to our program. He's a great leader, thrives in pressure situations, and will provide a competitive spark from day one."