The top 3: Ashton Poole (L), Chandler Eaton, S.M. Lee
By Stan Awtrey
ATLANTA, GA (June 9, 2018) -
Ashton Poole might not have been in the position to win the 52nd Dogwood Invitational if it hadn’t been for an old friend back in Charlottesville, Va.
Poole got a little nudge to get in the field a year ago from former U.S. Amateur and British Amateur champion
Vinny Giles, who had been a two-time winner of the Dogwood.
“When a former champion calls, you listen to what they have to say,” said Dogwood Tournament Chairman Edward Toledano.
With a boost from Giles, Poole got in the field a year ago and missed the cut by two shots. This year he returned and scorched the field for a four-shot win. Poole, a native of Charlotte who will be a junior at Virginia in the fall, had rounds of 69-66-64-67 for a 22-under 266.
Giles, who played at the University of Georgia and attended law school at Virginia, was a two-time winner of the Dogwood (1963 and 1965) and requested a spot for young friend a year ago.
“Vinny is a buddy of mine and he helped me get in the tournament,” Poole said. “To win the same tournament that Vinny won, with his career, means so much.”
Chandler Eaton, a junior at Duke, shot a 65 on Saturday and made a valiant push. He finished alone in second at 18-under 280, one shot better than Palmer Cup player
S.M. Lee of Dalton State, who closed with a 68 and finished 17-under.
“I’m super proud,” Eaton said. “I didn’t really know where I was at the end. I knew I was doing really good. I knew I was making putts and hitting fairways and that adds up in the end.”
Jacob Solomon of Auburn and
William Nottingham of Clemson tied for fourth. Solomon finished with a 69 and Nottingham shot 72, as the pair finished at 15-under 273.
Poole had a three-shot lead at the turn, but saw it dwindle to one after Eaton made a birdie at the par-4 16th hole. But the tide turned quickly; Poole birdied the 16th and minutes later Eaton doubled the 17th, restoring Poole’s three-shot lead.
Poole said he was nervous, despite the big lead coming down the stretch.
“It’s by far the biggest win of my career,” Poole said. “I was nervous. At some point on the first tee, I’m thinking, ‘I’m good, I’m good.’ And when I teed the ball up and stood up, I couldn’t feel my legs. So anyone who says they’re not nervous coming down the stretch with the lead is lying. You just have to stick to your game plan and play to your strengths.”
The defending champion
Lloyd Jefferson Go of the Philippines shot a 72 to finish T35 at 1 under.
Guilford College coach
Justin Tereshko was the low mid-amateur, finishing in a tie for 8th at 12-under 276.
Canadian mid-amateur
Garrett Rank, who will compete in next week's U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, closed with a 70 to finish 34th at 2 under.
Related: VIDEO: U.S. Open Qualifier, and NHL Referee Garrett Rank
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