The 6th HV3 Invitational, hosted by the HV3 Foundation and the Carolinas Golf Association, took place March 22-23, 2025, across two elite venues—Gaston Country Club in Gastonia, N.C., and Cramer Mountain Club in Cramerton, N.C. The 149-player field featured some of the best junior boys in the region, showcasing their talents over 36 holes. Banks Steele of Lancaster, S.C., emerged as the champion after a stellar final round, finishing with a 5-under-par total of 138.
Steele opened the tournament with an even-par 72 at Cramer Mountain Club and trailed by three shots heading into the final round. He surged to victory with a 5-under 66 at Gaston Country Club, thanks to a hot start and steady play down the stretch. A junior at Andrew Jackson High School, Steele only began playing tournament golf two years ago, making this win a significant milestone in his rapid development. “I’ve put in a lot of hard work, and I’m really glad to see that pay off,” Steele said after the win.
Other notable performances included Andrew Neal of Cary, N.C., who shot the tournament’s low round—a 6-under 65—to tie for second alongside Luke Mueller of Raleigh, N.C., at 3-under 140. Three players tied for fourth at 2-under 141. More than just a golf tournament, the HV3 Invitational—created in partnership with professional golfer Harold Varner III—aims to inspire and support junior golfers from all backgrounds.