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By: Sloan Aubrey
Amateur Morgan Ellison of Peachtree City successfully defended her title at the 2026 Georgia Women's Open Presented by Played With Heart and supported by Flyway Hats on The Golf Club of Georgia's famed Lakeside Course. The 32nd edition of the championship saw Ellison overcome a five-shot deficit entering the final round, firing a bogey-free 7-under-par 65 to become the first player in recent tournament history to successfully defend her Georgia Women's Open title.
Professional Tatum Walsh of Cartersville, Georgia, held the solo lead through the opening two rounds after posting scores of 71 and 69 to sit at 4-under-par entering Wednesday's final round. Amateur Lili Nelson of Greensboro, Georgia fired the round of the championship during Tuesday's second round, a 7-under-par 65, to climb into solo second heading into the final day.
Ellison, a graduate of the University of Texas at San Antonio, entered the week as the defending champion and fresh off winning the 2026 U.S. Women's Amateur Four-Ball Championship. After opening the championship with rounds of 73 and 72, she remained confident there were birdie opportunities waiting on the Lakeside Course.
"It is super special," Ellison said. "At the beginning of the week it crossed my mind that I could defend, but I tried to put that aside and just play my game."
That approach paid off Wednesday. Ellison caught fire with a 5-under-par 31 on the front nine and went on to card seven birdies without a bogey. Her championship-best 65 gave her rounds of 73-72-65 and a five-shot victory.
"I kind of got it running on the front nine," Ellison said. "Made some putts, saw some go in and got the confidence going. We were just having a blast out there, and it was really special to be able to enjoy the walk up 18."
Throughout the championship, Ellison once again had her father, Tod, on the bag, recreating the same father-daughter pairing that helped lead her to the title one year ago. Having him alongside her once again made the successful title defense even more meaningful.
"Couldn't tell you a time he hasn't caddied for me besides college," Ellison said. "It means a lot to have him on the bag and to have my mom here this year."
Walsh finished as the Low Professional of the championship. Nelson, who will begin her freshman season at Georgia Southern University this fall, and amateur Madison Rookard of Atlanta, who will be a junior at Georgia State University, tied for second at 1-under-par. Rookard closed with a final-round 69 while playing alongside Ellison in the final pairing.
In the Senior Division, contested over 36 holes, amateur Laura Coble of Augusta claimed the championship after rounds of 71 and 72 to finish at 1-under-par. The 2004 Georgia Women's Open Champion added another chapter to her decorated Georgia golf career by capturing the Senior Division title. Amateur Sarah Gallagher mounted a final-round charge with a 2-under-par 70 but finished just one stroke behind Coble.
Georgia PGA Operations Manager Dominic Smith praised the efforts of everyone who helped make the championship a success, stating, "We couldn't have this championship without our players, so thank you to everyone who competed this week. We'd also like to thank The Golf Club of Georgia and Mr. Kenny for once again hosting us, along with our presenting partner, Played With Heart, supporting partner, Flyway Hats, and everyone who helped make these last three days so amazing.”
PGA REACH Georgia and the Georgia PGA are proud to announce the inaugural The Drew Pro-Am, which will be held on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at East Lake Golf Club, preceding the second playing of The Drew on Monday, November 2, 2026.
The Drew Pro-Am will provide amateur participants with the opportunity to experience one of golf's most iconic venues while competing alongside one of the top-72 Georgia PGA Professionals who have qualified for The Drew. The event further expands the impact and reach of The Drew while creating additional support for The Drew Grant.
Participation in The Drew Pro-Am is available for $1,500 per player, with each participant receiving:
● Pairing with one of the top-72 Georgia PGA Professionals competing in The Drew
● Lunch at East Lake Golf Club
● Exclusive The Drew branded gifting package
● 18 holes walking with a caddie at East Lake Golf Club
● An invitation to The Drew Banquet following play on Sunday evening
"The Drew was created to celebrate and elevate the PGA Professionals who dedicate their careers to growing the game of golf throughout Georgia," said Scott Geary, CEO of the Georgia PGA and Executive Director of PGA REACH Georgia. "The addition of The Drew Pro-Am creates a unique opportunity for supporters of the game to experience East Lake Golf Club while directly supporting the mission of The Drew Grant and investing in the future of our profession."
Amateur spots in the Pro-Am are limited, and those interested in participating should contact Carly Riordan, Foundation Development Manager, at criordan@pgahq.com.
In addition to announcing The Drew Pro-Am, PGA REACH Georgia is proud to release the application for the first recipient of The Drew Grant, a scholarship initiative established to assist aspiring PGA Professionals in their journey from PGA Associate to Class A PGA Member.
The Drew Grant was created to honor the spirit and legacy of Drew Dunn, PGA by investing directly in the next generation of PGA Professionals. Drew began as a caddie at East Lake Golf Club and worked his way up to Director of Golf. In an effort to assist those following a similar path to Drew, the grant provides financial assistance to help offset costs associated with PGA Membership education, testing, and professional development.
Interested applicants may access and complete the application here:
The Drew Grant Application
"The Drew Grant represents one of the most meaningful components of this initiative," added Geary. "While The Drew showcases the very best PGA Professionals in Georgia, The Drew Grant helps ensure that future generations have the opportunity to pursue the same career path and continue strengthening our Section and Association."
The second playing of The Drew will take place on Monday, November 2, 2026, at East Lake Golf Club, featuring the top-72 Georgia PGA Professionals competing for the largest single payout in Georgia PGA history.
For information regarding participation in The Drew Pro-Am, sponsorship opportunities, or The Drew Grant, please contact Carly Riordan at criordan@pgahq.com.
The 2026 Red Pants Tournament at Hawks Ridge Golf Club was another special day celebrating Gene Siller's legacy and raising support for the Gene Siller Memorial Grant. Congratulations to this year's champions, Team Spivey, and thank you to everyone who played, donated, volunteered, and supported the event.
The day concluded with an awards reception featuring remarks from Ashley Siller and Scott Geary, as well as heartfelt stories from 2026 Gene Siller Memorial Grant recipients Bryce Henscheid and Addison Peeples, highlighting the impact the grant continues to have on aspiring PGA Professionals.
Watch the recap video for a look back at another unforgettable Red Pants Tournament.
