Brad Dalke, 17, has verbally committed to OU at age 12
FRIDAY NOTE: Today's third round play has been
cancelled due to heavy rain. The tournament will be
played at 54-holes, with the final round starting
Saturday at 12:00 noon and the leaders playing at
2:30.
ATLANTA, Georgia (July 2, 2015) -- At Druid
Hills, there was a changing of the guard as the early
leaders struggled to break par.
Sometimes it's hard to back up a low round, especially
the 8-under 64s that both Chad Tuten and Ashton Van
Horne fired on Weds.
While Tuten struggled today and posted 76, to fall
out of the top 10, Van Horne managed to stay within
close range of new leader Dawson Armstrong, despite
faltering to a 4-over 40 on his back nine. That's
because he was tearing Druid Hills apart prior to that.
Starting on the 10th hole, Van Horne birdied,
then
holed out for eagle on the 352-yard par 4 12th, and
made three more birdies and a bogey to get to 13-
under after just 27 holes of play. Alas, that back nine
eliminated the prospect of a 36-hole tournament
record, but did not ruin Van Horne's chances for the
weekend.
The new leader, a former top ranked junior golfer
from Tennessee who now plays for Lipscomb
University, is Dawson Armstrong. He played bogey
free golf today, adding a 6-under 66 to his first round
67 to stand at 11-under at the tournament's halfway
point. That positions him directly in front of future
Oklahoma player Brad Dalke, who made 9 birdies
today and posted the low round of 65.
|
Brad Dalke Arm Wrestling
with
Rory McIlroy |
Dalke, from Edmond, Oklahoma, has quite a
backstory. At 12 years old, he verbally committed to
attend Oklahoma, where his dad was a linebacker. His
game has steadily improved and he's finishing the tail
end of his junior career and head for OU this fall. In
April, those linebacker genes were put into good use
in an arm wrestling match against Rory McIlroy at the
Sage Valley Junior Invitational, which he won.
“His bicep balled up so I think he was trying,”
Dalke told Golfweek at the time. “I took all my anger
out from my 85"
“Working out and having good linebacker genetics
is the secret… But he was a great guy. Pretty cool
way to end my career at Sage Valley.”
As for a coach recruiting a 12 year old player
back in 2010? At the time, Dalke was ranked below
500th in the Golfweek/Sagarin junior rankings. Now,
he's in the top 5. And apparently ready to compete at
the college level.
ABOUT THE
Dogwood Invitational
**Compete June 4–7 at Atlanta's Druid Hills GC. Entry
includes daily meals, elite play, and exclusive events at
one of amateur golf’s top tournaments.**
**Dogwood Invitational Overview**
Welcome to the Dogwood Invitational, one of the
premier showcases in amateur golf, held at the historic
Druid Hills Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia. This year’s
tournament takes place June 4–7, 2025, offering top-
ranked amateurs a competitive and memorable
experience steeped in tradition and Southern
hospitality.
**A Legacy of Champions**
Since its inception in 1941, the Dogwood has crowned
some of the game’s finest amateur talents. Among the
prestigious list of past champions are:
- Webb Simpson (2007)
- Brian Harman (2009)
- Dawson Armstrong (2015)
- Brandon Mancheno (2019)
The event continues to evolve, blending rich history
with a modern competitive spirit. Recent course
enhancements and a thoughtful tournament setup
reflect this commitment to excellence.
**Tournament Format & Player Experience**
- Format: 72-hole stroke play over four days
- Venue: Druid Hills Golf Club – a classic layout offering
a true championship test
Players will enjoy a relaxed, player-focused
atmosphere, with top-level amenities and a strong
community spirit. The Dogwood Invitational is proud to
balance elite competition with a welcoming
environment.
**What’s Included**
Your entry fee covers a premium tournament
experience:
- Daily breakfast and lunch during competition days
- Exclusive social events for players
- Access to a network of elite amateur competitors and
industry presence
**Player Logistics**
- Walking-only event: Players may carry their own
bags, use push carts, or bring a caddie
- Caddies: Optional – players can request one during
registration or bring their own
- Player housing: Limited accommodations available to
players only (caddies and guests not included)
**Why Play the Dogwood?**
- A top-tier national amateur event
- Historic venue in the heart of Atlanta
- Strong field, excellent hospitality, and a memorable
week of golf
- Opportunities to compete against future PGA Tour
stars
View Complete Tournament Information