Young Harris College Hosts 21st Annual Clay Dotson Open

by Steve Esser

Young Harris, GA (05/22/2025) — A rainy start couldn't dampen the spirits at the 21st annual Clay Dotson Open golf tournament on May 19 at Brasstown Valley Resort, as 224 golfers helped raise more than $115,000 to benefit student scholarships at Young Harris College.

"I want to thank everyone for being here today for this special event," said Dr. John Wells, Young Harris College president, as he kicked off the tournament. "The Clay Dotson Open is an incredible event, and thanks to you, it helps us raise money for our students."

Proceeds from the tournament go directly toward scholarships at YHC.

Clay Dotson, who the tournament is named after, passed away in September 2024. A professor for 42 years, Academic Dean and interim president on more than one occasion, Dotson loved YHC. His son, Mark, vice president for Advancement, spoke about his father.

"I really appreciate everyone who participates in this event, from the players and sponsors to Brasstown Valley Resort and volunteers," Dotson said. "Dad loved golf, and he loved Young Harris College. He bled purple. Everything we do at Young Harris College is for the students, and he loved that this event helps them. Thank you for supporting this tournament and the College."

Players enjoyed morning and afternoon flights, followed by awards ceremonies. Prizes for the tournament were awarded as follows:

Morning Flight:

Flight 1

First Place - Eliyah Ryals, Isiah McPherson, Curtis Phillips, and Brandon Arrowwood
Second Place - Wade Douglas, Cade Douglas, Rick Miller, and Buck Belue
Third Place - Sonny Sprayberry, Richard Lester, Blake Kinnett, and Brice Sprayberry

Flight 2

First Place - Tim Brackett, Mark Vaughn, Brian Mundy, and Lawrence McNabb
Second Place - Patrick Lovelace, Kevin Floyd, Drew Dotson, and Clint Hobbs
Third place - Stan Gunter, Kevin Bierschenk, Lamar Paris, and Steve Rowe

Afternoon Flight:

Flight 1

First Place - Hank Komodowski, Don Green, Tim Waite, and Greg Gibson
Second Place - Dave Bartschy, Steve Conrad, Nick Stephenson, and Casey Conrad
Third Place - Cody Walden, Joe Fortwengler, Parker Hulme, and Chandler York

Flight 2

First Place - Jason Seabolt, James Cook, Kevin Hughes, and Tony Long
Second Place - Dustin Burch, Brad Smith, Danny Reagan, and Cooper Patton
Third place - Billy Roland, Matt Cox, Michael Clements, and Randy Crowder

Alumni Team Challenge Winners:

Cody Walden, Joe Fortwengler, Parker Hulme, and Chandler York
Clint Hobbs, Patrick Lovelace, Kevin Floyd, and Drew Dotson.

Longest Drive: Curtis Phillips (morning flight), John Lichtenwalner (afternoon flight)

Closest to the Pin: Dallas Snyder (morning flight), Casey Conrad (afternoon flight)

Putting Green Contest: Jonathan White

Winners of tournament raffles:

The Ridges Marina Half-Day Rentals Winners: John Goff of Augusta, and Daniel Davenport of Blairsville
Harrah's Package: Daniel Davenport of Blairsville

Events like the Clay Dotson Open are not possible without the support of sponsors.

Diamond Sponsors

Brasstown Valley Resort
Alora Pharmaceuticals
United Community Bank

Gold Sponsors

Lydia J. Sartain, Attorney at Law
Clay and Betty Dotson
Follett Higher Education Group
Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort
Sodexo

Silver Sponsors

Alvin Gibson
Apple Realty
Bachelor and Kimball, Inc.
EntryPoint Doors of Atlanta
Julian Jones, 1961
Kurt Momand, 1997, and Heather Momand Brunone, 2008
Montag & Caldwell, LLC
The Budd Group
Tri-State Utility Products Inc
Truist

Bronze Sponsors

Carter Williams/McGriff Insurance Services
Lake Chatuge Monthly Magazine
Mary Broadrick & John Moffit

About Young Harris College

Young Harris College is a private baccalaureate and master's degree-granting institution located in the beautiful mountains of North Georgia. Founded in 1886 and historically affiliated with The United Methodist Church, Young Harris College educates, inspires, and empowers students through an education that purposefully integrates the liberal arts and professional studies. The College has four academic divisions: Fine Arts; Humanities; Mathematics, Science, and Technology; and Professional Studies. Approximately 1,400 students are enrolled in its residential and Early College programs. The College is an active member of the NCAA Division II and remains a fierce competitor in the Conference Carolinas. For more information, visit yhc.edu.

Media Attachments

21st Clay Dotson Open

224 golfers teed off May 19 at Brasstown Valley Resort for the 21st Clay Dotson Open, helping raise more than $115,000 for scholarships at Young Harris College.