6271 Bryan Park Rd., Browns Summit, NC 27214
Email: carolinas@pgahq.com Website: Carolinas Office: (336) 398-2742
Click here to view Carolinas PGA Section's Staff Listing
Click here to view Carolinas PGA Section's Board of Directors
••••••
Hrabak Captures First Professional Championship, Leads Eleven to Bandon Dunes
Cooper Hrabak, PGA, of Mid Pines Inn & Golf Club, delivered one of the most dramatic comebacks in Carolinas PGA history to capture his first Professional Championship title at The Tree Farm and Palmetto Golf Club. After struggling with an opening-round 73, Hrabak fired a spectacular 8-under 63 in Round 2 to seize the lead, then closed with a steady 1-over 72 to finish at 5-under 208 and win by three shots.
The championship victory marks Hrabak's second win of the 2025 season, following his earlier triumph at The Players Championship. With today's championship victory and his Bob Boyd Section Player of the Year honor, Hrabak earns spots in both the 2026 Wyndham Championship and the Myrtle Beach Classic PGA Tour events. Additionally, he receives automatic qualification for the 2026 National PGA Professional Championship at Bandon Dunes.
Finishing in a four-way tie for second at 2-under 211 were Billy Belair, PGA, of Topgolf - Myrtle Beach; Adam Fisher, PGA, of North Ridge Country Club; Preston Cole, PGA, of Quail Hollow Club; and Zack Taylor, PGA, of Hackler Course at Coastal Carolina University. Belair fired an impressive final-round 69 featuring six birdies to surge up the leaderboard.
The championship served as qualifying for the 2026 National PGA Professional Championship at Bandon Dunes, with eleven spots available to represent the Carolinas Section on the national stage.
Qualifiers Advancing to Bandon Dunes (April 26-29, 2026):
Cooper Hrabak, PGA – Mid Pines Inn & Golf Club
Billy Belair, PGA – Topgolf - Myrtle Beach
Adam Fisher, PGA – North Ridge Country Club
Preston Cole, PGA – Quail Hollow Club
Zack Taylor, PGA – Hackler Course at Coastal Carolina University
Tyler Lucas, PGA – Myers Park Country Club
Dave Ambrose, PGA – Elk River Club
Luke Lovell, PGA – The Country Club of Asheville
Eric Williamson, PGA – Charlotte Country Club
Greg Boyette, PGA – Bulls Bay Golf Club
Tommy Gibson, PGA – High Meadows Golf & Country Club
These eleven PGA Professionals will represent the depth and talent of the Carolinas Section against the nation's elite professionals at Bandon Dunes, competing for the ultimate honor in PGA Professional golf.
Among the eleven qualifiers is a remarkable family story of perseverance. Dave Ambrose, PGA, of Elk River Club in Banner Elk, NC, earned his spot at Bandon Dunes alongside his brother Sam Ambrose, PGA, head professional at Chester Valley Golf Club, Malvern, PA, who qualified from the Philadelphia Section - making it a family affair at the national championship.
For Dave, the qualification carries extra significance. His home course, Elk River Club, was devastated by Hurricane Helene, yet he maintained his focus and competitive edge throughout the championship week. His strong final round of 70, highlighted by seven birdies, including three consecutive on holes 6, 7, and 8, exemplified the resilience that defines both his character and his community.
The Ambrose brothers will represent their respective sections at Bandon Dunes, proving that sometimes the most meaningful victories come not just from what happens on the scorecard, but from the strength to persevere when everything else has been swept away.
The Carolinas PGA celebrated an incredible achievement on September 7, 2025, when eight junior golfers earned their way to the 2026 Drive, Chip & Putt National Finals at Augusta National Golf Club. The Regional competition was held at the iconic Pinehurst Resort & Country Club, where 96 juniors from across the United States competed, with participants traveling from as far as Texas, California, and Puerto Rico.
The atmosphere was electric as families, friends, PGA Professionals, and volunteers gathered to watch the region's top juniors compete for coveted spots on the road to Augusta. Participants even launched drives down the 18th hole of Pinehurst No. 1, adding to the historic nature of the event.
Advancing to Augusta National (April 5, 2026):
● Girls 7-9: Zoe Crosby (Simpsonville, NC)
● Boys 7-9: Ace Pizzuti (Franklin, TN)
● Girls 10-11: Andie Deck (Chattanooga, TN)
● Boys 10-11: Cade Reel (Dayton, TN)
● Girls 12-13: Adalyn Lupton (Tega Clay, SC)
● Boys 12-13: Jaxon Osborne (Austin, TX)
● Girls 14-15: Elizabeth Guthrie (Charlotte, NC)
● Boys 14-15: Tyler Fink (Chesapeake, VA)
These eight division champions will compete at Augusta National just before Masters week begins, showcasing golf's next generation on one of the sport's most prestigious stages.
Click here to read the full recap!
The Carolinas PGA Section is celebrating the success of two North Carolina All-Star teams that secured spots in the 2025 PGA Jr. League National Championships following outstanding performances at the Region 6 Championship, held September 19-21 at Southern Landings Golf Club in Warner Robins, Georgia.
The 12 Oaks/MacGregor All-Stars (The Club at 12 Oaks in Holly Springs, NC, and MacGregor Downs Country Club in Cary, NC) claimed the 13u Regional Championship title, defeating the Sugarloaf All-Stars 6.5–5.5 in the final match. Led by Coach Bo Bolick, PGA, and Assistant Coach Andrew Kiger, PGA, the team earned the No. 1 seed after shooting an impressive -38 in Saturday's stroke play qualifying round.
The team will represent North Carolina in their first-ever appearance at the 13u PGA Jr. League Championship, to be held November 16–20, 2025, at PGA Frisco's Fields Ranch West in Texas.
The Bentwinds All-Stars (Bentwinds Country Club, Fuquay-Varina, NC) defended their regional crown in the 17u Division, edging the Summer Grove All-Stars 6.5–5.5 in Sunday's championship match. Coach Evelyn Walters, PGA, led the team to another regional title after earning the No. 1 seed with a -29 stroke play total.
The Bentwinds All-Stars will once again compete as Team North Carolina at the 17u PGA Jr. League Championship, held October 23–26, 2025, at Twin Warriors Golf Club in Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico.
Both achievements highlight the strength of junior golf development across the Carolinas Section and demonstrate the impact of PGA REACH programming in fostering the next generation of golfers.