Nicol Cashes in at Georgia PGA Assistants’ ChampionshipBy: Sloan Aubrey  In a thrilling Lake Oconee showdown, Chris Nicol, PGA Assistant Professional at Reynolds Lake Oconee, captured the 2025 Georgia PGA Assistants’ Championship on August 19 at Augusta Country Club. Nicol outlasted Justin Mattheis, PGA Assistant Professional at Cuscowilla on Lake Oconee, in a dramatic 3-hole playoff after both players finished tied at 7-under-par through 36 holes of regulation play. Nicol is no stranger to success in this event, having also claimed the Assistants’ Championship title in 2014 and 2023. His experience and composure once again proved decisive, as he navigated the pressure of extra holes to secure another victory. “It feels incredible to come out on top in such a strong field,” Nicol said. “Justin pushed me all the way, and I had to stay patient and trust my game in the playoff. Winning this championship is really special, and I’m excited to have my name on this trophy again.” The championship, contested over 36 holes on August 18, brought together the Section’s top assistant professionals in pursuit of both the title and coveted qualifying spots into the 2025 National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship. Mattheis, along with Henry Westmoreland, PGA Assistant Professional at Kinderlou Forest Golf Club; Austin Morrison, PGA Assistant Professional at Sea Island Golf Club; and Jeff Cammon, PGA Assistant Professional at Sea Island Golf Club, earned qualification into the Assistant PGA Professional Championship, which will be held November 13–16 at PGA Golf Club’s Wanamaker Course in Port St. Lucie, Florida. •••••• Royak Masters Echelon Again, Wins Yamaha Georgia Senior Open in Dramatic FinishBy: Sloan Aubrey  Amateur Bob Royak of Alpharetta captured his second Yamaha Georgia Senior Open title at Echelon Golf Club, outlasting amateur Chad Branton of Cartersville in a thrilling 3-hole playoff that concluded just moments before heavy rain swept across the course. The 43rd playing of the championship, held August 11-12, featured Georgia’s top senior professionals and amateurs and saw weather looming over both rounds of play. Royak, who also won the championship at Echelon in 2023, opened with a 3-under-par 69 before matching that score in Tuesday’s final round. Trailing overnight leader Branton by three shots entering the day, Royak stayed steady down the stretch. On the par-4 18th, he saved par while Branton bogeyed to force extra holes. The playoff showcased both players’ grit, but Royak’s consistent play sealed the victory, reaffirming his dominance at Echelon. Branton had set the pace early in the tournament with a 6-under-par 66 in Monday’s opening round. Amateur John Foster of Woodstock took home the Super Senior Championship with a stellar 7-under-par total for the event. Among the professionals, PGA of America Life Member Stephen Keppler of Acworth turned in an impressive final round 5-under-par 67 to finish at 2-under-par, earning Low Professional honors. |