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Young Harris College Hosts Record-breaking Clay Dotson Open Golf Tournament

YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. — A record-breaking 205 golfers hit the links Monday, May 22, as Young Harris College hosted the 19th Annual Clay Dotson Open Golf Tournament at Brasstown Valley Resort. The tournament raised over $100,000 for student scholarships. 

The Clay Dotson Open is a longstanding tradition and highly anticipated event for alumni and community members alike. Not only did this year welcome the Clay Dotson Open’s largest field to date, but all the proceeds from the event went directly to students, providing them with the opportunity to achieve their academic endeavors and become part of the Young Harris College legacy.

Nearly 100% of YHC students receive some form of financial assistance. Their scholarships are made possible by donors who have chosen to invest in the next generation of leaders.  

“Many thanks to everyone who sponsored, participated in, and supported the 2023 Clay Dotson Open,” said Vice President of Advancement Mark Dotson, Class of 1988. “Because of your generosity, deserving students will receive scholarships and the opportunity to pursue an education at YHC.” 

The Clay Dotson Open included two flights. The following teams walked away with first-place honors. 

Morning Flight 1 – First Place                                                             

Daryl Allison

Isiah McPherson

Brandon Arrowwood                                                  

Curtis Phillips

Morning Flight 2 – First Place 

Mark Stancil

Paul Butler

Brett Butler

Kurt Momand

Out of all the golfers in the morning flights, Otey Crisman won the Closest to the Pin competition and Dallas Synder won the Longest Drive competition. 

Afternoon Flight 1 – First Place 

Stacy Poteet

Colton Payne

Brian Helzog 

Michael Willard                                           

Afternoon Flight 2 – First Place

Dustin Birch

Michael Davis

Brad Smith

Cooper Patton

Out of all the golfers in the afternoon flights, Chaiz Davenport won the Closest to the Pin competition and Copper Patton won the Longest Drive competition.

Teams with three or more YHC alumni qualified for the Tom Forkner, Senior Alumni Challenge. The winning team included Cody Beck, Josh Rudnick, Oliver Pratt, and James Mills.

In addition to the golfers, the College is fortunate to have the generous support of businesses and families who believe in the mission of Young Harris College and contribute to the Clay Dotson Open to support student scholarships. 

For the 2023 tournament, Diamond Sponsors included Alora Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Brasstown Valley Resort, and United Community Bank. Gold Sponsors included Follett Higher Education Group, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino, and Sodexo. Silver Sponsors included Batchelor and Kimball, Inc., EntryPoint Doors of Atlanta, Julian Jones, ‘61, Kurt Momand, ‘77 and Heather Momand Brunone, ‘08, Montag & Caldwell, LLC, The Budd Group, Tri-State Utility Products, Inc., Truist, and Waste Management. Bronze Sponsors included Beth & Jim Ellison, ‘88, Clay & Betty Dotson, CMA Agency, Inc., Comfort Systems USA, Heather, ‘08 & James Brunone, Lake Chatuge Living Magazine, Lamin-x Protective Films, Mary Broadrick & John Moffitt, McDonald’s of Blairsville, and Susan Ehlert Sinram ’79. 

Jacky Jones Chrysler Dodge Jeep was our Hole-in-One Sponsor, and this year’s Charity Golf Guns Sponsor was EntryPoint Doors of Atlanta. This tournament would not succeed without the help of our sponsors. Young Harris College thanks those who contributed to the education and empowerment of students. 

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. More than 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 prestigious Peach Belt Conference. For more information, visit yhc.edu.

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