By Steve Esser
YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. — A rainy start couldn’t dampen the spirits at the 21st annual Clay Dotson Open golf tournament on May 19 at Brasstown Valley Resort, as 224 golfers helped raise more than $115,000 to benefit student scholarships at Young Harris College.
“I want to thank everyone for being here today for this special event,” said Dr. John Wells, Young Harris College president, as he kicked off the tournament. “The Clay Dotson Open is an incredible event, and thanks to you, it helps us raise money for our students.”
Proceeds from the tournament go directly toward scholarships at YHC.
Clay Dotson, who the tournament is named after, passed away in September 2024. A professor for 42 years, Academic Dean and interim president on more than one occasion, Dotson loved YHC. His son, Mark, vice president for Advancement, spoke about his father.
“I really appreciate everyone who participates in this event, from the players and sponsors to Brasstown Valley Resort and volunteers,” Dotson said. “Dad loved golf, and he loved Young Harris College. He bled purple. Everything we do at Young Harris College is for the students, and he loved that this event helps them. Thank you for supporting this tournament and the College.”
Players enjoyed morning and afternoon flight,s followed by awards ceremonies. Prizes for the tournament were awarded as follows:
Morning Flight:
Flight 1
- First Place – Eliyah Ryals, Isiah McPherson, Curtis Phillips, and Brandon Arrowwood
- Second Place – Wade Douglas, Cade Douglas, Rick Miller, and Buck Belue (No Photo)
- Third Place – Sonny Sprayberry, Richard Lester (Not Pictured), Blake Kinnett (Not Pictured), and Brice Sprayberry (Not Pictured)
Flight 2
- First Place – Tim Brackett, Mark Vaughn, Brian Mundy, and Lawrence McNabb
- Second Place – Patrick Lovelace, Kevin Floyd, Drew Dotson, and Clint Hobbs (Not Pictured)
- Third place – Stan Gunter, Kevin Bierschenk, Lamar Paris, and Steve Rowe
Afternoon Flight:
Flight 1
- First Place – Hank Komodowski, Don Green, Tim Waite, and Greg Gibson (Not Pictured)
- Second Place – Dave Bartschy, Steve Conrad, Nick Stephenson, and Casey Conrad
- Third Place – Cody Walden, Joe Fortwengler, Parker Hulme, and Chandler York (Not Pictured)
Flight 2
- First Place – Jason Seabolt, James Cook, Kevin Hughes, and Tony Long
- Second Place – Dustin Burch, Brad Smith, Danny Reagan, and Cooper Patton (Not Pictured)
- Third place – Billy Roland, Matt Cox, Michael Clements, and Randy Crowder (Not Pictured)
Alumni Team Challenge Winners:
- Cody Walden, Joe Fortwengler, Parker Hulme, and Chandler York (Not Pictured)
- Clint Hobbs, Patrick Lovelace, Kevin Floyd, and Drew Dotson (No Photo)
Longest Drive: Curtis Phillips (morning flight), John Lichtenwalner (afternoon flight)
Closest to the Pin: Dallas Snyder (morning flight), Casey Conrad (afternoon flight)
Putting Green Contest: Jonathan White
Winners of tournament raffles:
- The Ridges Marina Half-Day Rentals Winners: John Goff of Augusta, and Daniel Davenport of Blairsville
- Harrah’s Package: Daniel Davenport of Blairsville
Events like the Clay Dotson Open are not possible without the support of sponsors.
Diamond Sponsors
- Brasstown Valley Resort
- Alora Pharmaceuticals
- United Community Bank
Gold Sponsors
- Lydia J. Sartain, Attorney at Law
- Clay and Betty Dotson
- Follett Higher Education Group
- Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort
- Sodexo
Silver Sponsors
- Alvin Gibson
- Apple Realty
- Bachelor and Kimball, Inc.
- EntryPoint Doors of Atlanta
- Julian Jones, 1961
- Kurt Momand, 1997, and Heather Momand Brunone, 2008
- Montag & Caldwell, LLC
- The Budd Group
- Tri-State Utility Products Inc
- Truist
Bronze Sponsors
- Carter Williams/McGriff Insurance Services
- Lake Chatuge Monthly Magazine
- Mary Broadrick & John Moffit
About Young Harris College
Young Harris College is a private baccalaureate and master’s degree-granting institution located in the beautiful mountains of North Georgia. Founded in 1886 and historically affiliated with The United Methodist Church, Young Harris College educates, inspires, and empowers students through an education that purposefully integrates the liberal arts and professional studies. The College has four academic divisions: Fine Arts; Humanities; Mathematics, Science, and Technology; and Professional Studies. Approximately 1,400 students are enrolled in its residential and Early College programs. The College is an active member of the NCAA Division II and remains a fierce competitor in the Conference Carolinas. For more information, visit yhc.edu.
