Bryson Nimmer (65) has takent he first round lead at Druid Hills
By Yianni Gogonas for AmateurGolf.com
ATLANTA, GA (June 28, 2017) - Play at the Dogwood Invitational began on Wednesday and low scoring seems to be the theme for this week. Over eight inches of rain fell in the Atlanta area over the last few weeks, inciting worry over the condition of the host track,
Druid Hills. Thankfully for our players, a subsequent streak of good weather early this week has given the course some time to drain and dry out, creating a perfect balance of playability and generosity, with very receptive greens and fairways. The effect of these scoring conditions is shown on the leaderboard, with over half the field shooting even-par or better in Wednesday’s round.
Related: Dogwood Invitational Daily Video Coverage
Related: One Epic Summer Continues at the Dogwood Invitational in Atlanta
Lipcomb’s
Dawson Armstrong seemed to navigate a marshy Druid Hills track with ease, carding six birdies before his only bogey would come on the par-4 15th. Dawson cleaned up his mistake by following with a birdie on the 16th, then proceeding to finish up with two pars to post 6-under-par for the day.
“From the beginning of the round, it was a little surreal being able to play with my two brothers, and I really had to learn how to get into my own zone, instead of worrying about other players,” offered Dawson to AmateurGolf.com reporter Kevin Cassidy of his unique pairing this morning, in which he was able to tee it up with his brothers, Dowling and Davis, who are also in the field this week in Atlanta.
ROUND 1 HIGHLIGHTS
Tied for second with Armstrong is Georgia native
Ben Shipp and Argentinian
Gaston Bertinotti, who got off to hot starts on Wednesday, firing 6-under-par rounds of their own.
Shipp, the NC State freshman also managed to make a total of seven birdies, with his lone bogey coming on the par-3 8th hole.
“Same as today,” replied Bertinotti of his plans going into Thursday. “Think the golf course is going to play tough and make as many birdies as I can, and less mistakes.” Bertinotti didn’t make too many mistakes to begin with in his afternoon round, only bogeying the 6th and the 10th holes. His highlight came with an eagle on the 9th, that propelled him to 5-under-par after his first nine holes.
Our current leader, Clemson sophomore
Bryson Nimmer played one shot better than Shipp and Dawson on Wednesday, posting a bogey free 65. Nimmer started his round with back-to-back birdies on the 1st and 2nd. Pars came on 3, 4, and 5, followed by another birdie on the 6th. The All-ACC selection began his back-nine at 3-under-par and by the 18th, he had carded four more birdies to post the round of the tournament thus far.
Seventeen players are within three shots of our leader, and with rain as a possibility for Thursday’s round, anything should be expected from a talented field here in Atlanta.
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