Matt Sanders Captures Georgia PGA Match Play Championship TitleBy: Sloan Aubrey  Matt Sanders, PGA of America Assistant Professional at West Pines Golf Club, captured the 2025 Georgia PGA Match Play Championship title in thrilling fashion, closing out the final match with a birdie on the 18th hole to win 1-up at The Standard Club in Johns Creek. The three-day event held July 14-16, and supported by E-Z-GO, Greyson, Global Golf Sales, and Fire Maker, featured many of the Section's top match-play competitors battling through six rounds to crown a champion. Sanders secured his victory by taking Hunter Suggs, PGA Assistant Professional at Cherokee Town & Country Club, the full 18-holes in the championship match. Sanders punched his ticket to the final by defeating Jeff Cammon, PGA Coaching Professional of Sea Island Golf Club 3 and 2 in the semifinals. Suggs advanced to the final match after edging past fellow Cherokee Town & Country Club PGA Coaching Professional, Anthony Cordes, 1-up in a tight semifinal battle. Reflecting on his win, Sanders said, “Having to stay patient is the biggest thing, especially with how tired you get. You just have to make good decisions and stay in the moment.” He added, “I have been playing good golf, so I am very excited for the Georgia Open. I feel like my game is in a good spot right now, so I am looking forward to it.” The Georgia PGA Match Play Championship, one of four Georgia PGA Major Championships is a pivotal event on the Georgia PGA calendar, counting toward the Section’s Player of the Year points race. The next big tournament that counts toward the Player of the Year points race is the Georgia Open, taking place July 31-August 3 at Dalton Golf and Country Club. Performances in these events contribute to qualifications for season-ending opportunities, including the PGA TOUR’s RSM Classic at Sea Island and the top-72-player finale, “The Drew,” taking place this November at East Lake Golf Club. •••••• Ellison Claims Victory at The 2025 Georgia Women’s OpenBy: Sloan Aubrey  In a breakthrough performance, amateur Morgan Ellison of Peachtree City captured the 2025 Georgia Women’s Open Presented by Played With Heart on The Golf Club of Georgia’s famed Lakeside Course. The 31st edition of the championship saw Ellison emerge victorious after 54-holes of intense competition, overcoming a strong field that included collegiate standouts and decorated past champions. Early tournament leader, professional Elizabeth Moon of Orlando, FL, held the top spot through both Round 1 and Round 2, setting the pace for a competitive event. Ellison, a recent graduate of the University of Texas at San Antonio, where she played golf all four years, posted a strong opening round featuring five birdies, offset by a couple of bogeys. “There were a few mistakes here and there,” Ellison reflected, “so going into the second round, I tried to fix my positioning but didn’t play as well as I hoped.” Determined to rebound on the final day, Ellison adopted a focused mindset to maintain good course positioning. Early in the round, a birdie on the second hole gave her a crucial confidence boost. A standout moment came on the par-4, 14th hole, where she “slam-dunked it in,” holing out from off the green to energize her momentum and finish strong with a 2-under-par 70 final round. Her steady play culminated in a 5-over-par total, earning her the championship by two strokes. Throughout the tournament, Ellison was supported by her father, who caddied for her over the three days. “My dad has caddied for me my whole life,” she said. “He’s been there ever since I started when I was 10 years old, so it was very special to have him on the bag this week. I know he was looking forward to it because he didn’t get to be on the bag for me during college.” “It means the world to me,” Ellison added about winning the event. “It’s been a long time coming, and it really feels good for it to pay off. Being able to play against both professionals and amateurs — we don’t get to do that often — makes this win even more special. Getting it done this week is definitely a big confidence booster heading forward.” Moon finished as low professional and earned $1,300 for her efforts. Another notable player in the field was past champion and professional Kendall Wright who finished tied for 16th in the event. In the Senior Division, which was contested over 36-holes, professional Joan Delk emerged as the champion. Amateur and 2004 Champion, Laura Coble of Augusta led the tournament by two strokes after the first round, but Delk stayed consistent during her 2nd Round performance and came out on top, adding her name to a growing list of distinguished senior winners at the event. Coble was able to hold on to claim the Senior Amateur title. Georgia PGA Operations Manager Dominic Smith praised the efforts of everyone who helped make the championship a success, stating, “We’re incredibly grateful to The Golf Club of Georgia for hosting this year’s championship on such a spectacular course. A special thank you to the players for their sportsmanship and dedication, and to our volunteers and staff who helped execute a smooth and memorable event.” |