From first-time amateurs to seasoned college stars, the Dogwood is a measuring stick. And it’s not an easy one to pass.

🏆 The History: A Course Built for Champions

The Dogwood’s roots stretch back to 1941, when Tommy Barnes captured the first title. Even in its early years, the tournament earned a reputation for testing both skill and nerve. Played on a course originally designed by H.H. Barker and later renovated by Bob Cupp in 2003, Druid Hills Golf Club offers the kind of Golden Era architecture that rewards smart, aggressive golf.

Over the decades, the Dogwood has consistently attracted rising stars, crowning champions like:

• Webb Simpson — Dogwood winner turned U.S. Open champion
• Hudson Swafford — Dogwood winner and PGA Tour mainstay
• Brian Harman — Dogwood champion and 2023 Open Champion
• Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, Justin Thomas, and Matt Kuchar — all Dogwood competitors who went on to major success

The Dogwood isn’t just about birdies—it’s about building a game that lasts a lifetime.

📈 Breaking Down the Numbers: What Winning Looks Like at the Dogwood Invitational

Look at the Dogwood Invitational scorecards, and a pattern is clear: winners at Druid Hills go deep into red numbers. But winning isn't about posting one highlight-reel round — it’s about four days of fearless, strategic, and consistent golf.

Here’s a breakdown of the past few champions and how they got it done:

• Garrett Engle (2024): 22-under-par, with rounds of 67-67-66-66, punctuated by a rare albatross (double eagle) on the 7th hole during the final round.
• Hunter Logan (2023): 20-under-par, including a second-round 61 that vaulted him into a commanding lead.
• Carson Bacha (2022): 19-under-par, steadying himself with a bogey-free 66 in the final round under pressure.
• Louis Dobbelaar (2021): 18-under-par, navigating tricky weather delays with poise and patience.
• Brandon Mancheno (2019): 21-under-par, maintaining focus after a lightning delay halted play during the final stretch.

Updated average winning score (last five Dogwoods): -20 under par.

Simply put: to win the Dogwood Invitational, you must string together multiple rounds in the mid-60s — and stay calm under fire.

🔎 What the Numbers Reveal About Champions

• Consistency Is King: Garrett Engle's four rounds of 67-67-66-66 in 2024 show that it’s not about one breakout day—it’s about relentless execution.
• Momentum Matters: Hot starts are critical. Logan’s 61 in 2023 and Meeks’ opening 63 in 2024 show that early fireworks set the tone for victory.
• Big Moments Define Winners: Engle's albatross at No. 7 in the final round wasn’t just lucky—it was a fearless, aggressive play that changed the tournament.
• Resilience Wins: Weather delays, final-round nerves, and unexpected setbacks test every competitor. Champions find a way to steady themselves and finish strong.

Every Dogwood champion in recent memory shares a similar DNA: aggression when needed, patience when it matters most, and the mental toughness to seize big moments without unraveling.

🌟 Stories Behind the Numbers

2024: Garrett Engle delivered one of the most impressive performances in Dogwood history, firing rounds of 67-67-66-66 to finish at 22-under-par. His final round was highlighted by a stunning albatross (double eagle) on the par-5 7th hole, helping him cruise to a five-shot victory at Druid Hills. Engle’s consistency and ability to capitalize on a huge moment proved to be the winning formula.

2023: Hunter Logan's second-round 61 wasn’t just a score—it was a statement. "That was one of those days where everything clicked," Logan said. "I felt like I could birdie every hole." He carried that momentum all the way to a dominant five-shot victory.

2022: Carson Bacha delivered a different kind of masterclass: patience. His 66 on the final day was bogey-free and methodical. "I knew the leaders would have nerves," he said. "I just wanted to make no mistakes and let them come to me."

2021: Louis Dobbelaar of Australia showed toughness. Battling weather delays, fast greens, and jet lag, he steadied himself with controlled iron play and clutch putting down the stretch.

🏌️‍♂️ The Skills That Win at Dogwood

After analyzing the numbers and the champions’ stories, certain key skills stand out:

• Scoring Wedges: Precision with short irons is critical. The course gives up birdies — but only to players who hit the right tiers on the greens.
• Smart Aggression: Champions know when to attack and when to accept par. Risk-reward par-5s often swing momentum late in rounds.
• Mental Endurance: Weather delays, scoreboard pressure, and marathon birdie streaks demand emotional control and focus.
• Fast Starts: The last three champions have either led or been within two shots of the lead after 36 holes. Get in the mix early—or risk getting left behind.

Dogwood winners aren’t just hot players — they’re prepared, disciplined, and fearless.

🔥 Why the Dogwood Invitational Still Matters

There are plenty of great amateur tournaments. But few offer what the Dogwood does:

• A world-class venue in a major U.S. city, challenging yet scorable for bold players
• A history of launching professional careers — from Simpson to Harman to Koepka
• A community-driven spirit where players stay with local families and the atmosphere feels like a major
• A charitable mission that supports junior golfers through the Georgia Junior Golf Association and the Reynolds Scholarship Fund

Simply put: the Dogwood Invitational is where tomorrow’s legends are born.

🏁 The Final Word: Watch Closely

When you follow the Dogwood, you're not just watching another amateur tournament. You're seeing the future of professional golf take shape—one birdie, one decision, one championship Sunday at a time.

Think you're ready for the next level? The Dogwood Invitational will show you who truly is.