S.M. Lee is -11 through 36 holes at Druid Hills (Dalton State photo)
By Stan Awtrey
ATLANTA, GA (June 7, 2018) - After someone had the audacity to shoot 65 in the first round of the Dogwood Invitational, the field was greeted by a set of hole locations that were a bit more challenging. A pace on the other side of the ridge here, a couple steps over a bunker there. It was not friendly by design.
But no one bothered to tell Buford’s
S.M. Lee. He went out and shot a 64, which paired with his first-round 69, leaves him at 11-under par. Lee will take a two-shot lead at the midway point of the 52nd Dogwood Invitational at Druid Hills Golf Club.
“I know someone probably isn’t going to be happy to see a 64,” Lee said. “The pins may have been a little harder today. I just got some good breaks. I kept calm and kept playing my game.
Tied for second at 9-under 135 are first-round leader
Jake Fendt of Kennesaw State,
David Laskin of the University of Arizona and
Ashton Poole of the University of Virginia. Fendt shot 70, Laskin had a 69 and Poole fired a 66.
Tied for fifth at 8-under are:
Chandler Eaton of Duke, who shot 67;
William Nottingham of Clemson, who shot 69; and
Jacob Solomon of Auburn, who shot 70.
Zachary Healy of Georgia and
Scott Stevens of South Carolina are tied for eighth at 137. Stevens shot 66 on Thursday.
Defending champion
Lloyd Jefferson Go shot 68 and is tied for 21st at 140.
Luke Schniederjans, who hopes to follow his older brother Ollie to the PGA Tour, is also at 140 after a 71 on Thursday.
Lee just finished his sophomore season at Dalton State, where he won the Jack Nicklaus Award that’s given to the nation’s best college player. Lee is only the second NAIA winner to win back-to-back seasons. He was selected to represent the United States in the Arnold Palmer Cup (the first NAIA player to do so) and will turn professional before the end of the summer.
But right now his goal is to win the Dogwood Invitational.
“Whenever I play, I’m always out to win,” Lee said. “That’s what I’ll be trying to do this weekend.”
Lee made a bogey on the first hole, but did little wrong the rest of the day. He made four straight birdies, No. 4 through No. 8, to shoot 33 on the front. He closed with three birdies on the back nine, including a 10-foot slider from above the hole at No. 18, to shoot 31.
“This is a really big event,” Lee said. “A lot of Tour players have played it. Just to be in the same group as those kind of players means a lot. Winning this is something I’d love to have on my resume.”
Fendt couldn’t get the putts to drop like he did in the first round. He said there were four putts that were within 10 feet that didn’t fall. He missed a short birdie putt on 16 and a five-footer at No. 18.
Related: Fendt Sticks to Game Plan, Leads Dogwood Invitational at -7
“That’s golf,” he said. “Sometimes that happens. I’m disappointed, but I’m still in it.”
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