Middle Brother: Dawson Armstrong with older brother Dowling (right)
and younger brother Davis (left)
by Yianni Gogonas
ATLANTA, Georgia (June 29, 2017) -- Play continued today in Atlanta, after a preemptive move in which Thursday’s tee times were pushed up due to impending rain. (And that rain came in sheets, albeit a little late, as anyone in Atlanta knows.)
Related: Dogwood Invitational Daily Video Coverage
Lipscomb University golfer
Dawson Armstrong was able to move into the top spot heading into Friday's third round. Armstrong, now 13-under-par for the tournament followed his 5-under 68 on Wednesday with a 7-under-par 65 in today’s second round, rallying to post a bogey-free 31 on the back nine.
The 2015 Dogwood champion has previously mentioned Druid Hills to be "his" course, and when asked what he meant by it, Armstrong said, “I guess it fits my game really well. I am confident in my game, and I know how much I have grown since then, and to have won it two years ago gives me confidence moving forward.”
The rain also forced tournament officials to starting half of the field off the 10th tee.
Chandler Eaton was one of the first to leave the 10th this morning. He caught fire quickly, posting a 6-under 30 in which only one of his six birdies required a putt over 10 feet (on the 15th).
The Duke freshman would find himself alone in first at 10-under-par for the tournament after beginning the day in a tie for thirteenth. Eaton made three birdies and two bogeys on his back nine to finish with a 7-under 65. He is currently two-back, in a three-way tie for second place with Clemson’s
Bryson Nimmer and
Andy Ogletree of Georgia Tech at 11-under-par.
Ogletree shot the lowest round of the tournament thus far, a bogey free 64, including a 6-under 30 on the back side. He was still critical of his round, as most golfers will be.
“I played well, he said. "I feel like I got off to a better start than my scorecard -- I didn’t make a birdie till the 7th hole. I missed a lot of short putts starting out, but I knew, 'keep hitting it, and they’ll eventually go in.'"
One shot back of Ogletree is Argentinian, and possibly "the most interesting man in the field"
Gaston Bertinotti, whose 4-under-par 68 today is keeping him in the mix.
“The course is playing tough (for me) because it doesn’t fit my eye very well. But there are a lot of birdie opportunities out there, and if you hit a couple good shots, you can make a couple birdies,” said Bertinotti.
He has reiterated on both Wednesday and Thursday that the golf course is not a good fit for his play, however, his two-day 10-under-par performance hasn’t seemed to expose any weaknesses yet.
Bertinotti is in a tie with Missouri signee, Austin Fulton, and 2016 Big East Player of the Year,
Lloyd Jefferson Go, for the fifth position moving into Friday. Fulton and Go have both posted 5-under-par 67s in their first two rounds of play.
Final Groupings:
8:30 AM ET: Dawson Armstrong, Andy Ogletree, Bryson Nimmer
8:20 AM ET: Chandler Eaton, Gaston Bertinotti, Lloyd Jefferson Go
8:10 AM ET: Austin Fulton, Benjamin Shipp, Steven Fisk
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