Young Harris College Hosts 22nd Annual Clay Dotson Open

by Steve Esser

Young Harris, GA (05/21/2026) — YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. - A beautiful Monday morning welcomed more than 200 golfers to the 22nd annual Clay Dotson Open golf tournament on May 18 at Brasstown Valley Resort, raising more than $115,000 to benefit student scholarships at Young Harris College.

"I want to thank everyone for being here today and for your support for this special event," said Mark Dotson, vice president of Advancement for Young Harris College, as he kicked off the tournament. "The Clay Dotson Open is the largest fundraiser we host at Young Harris College, and thanks to you, it helps us raise money for our students."

Proceeds from the tournament go directly toward scholarships at YHC.

Clay Dotson, Mark's father, 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 - Brian Mundy, Lawrence McNabb, Mark Vaughn (Not Pictured), Matt Gutierrez (Not Pictured)
• Second Place - Paul Butler, '77, Brett Butler, Kurt Momand, '77, Mark Stancil
• Third Place - Oleg Malyshev, Scott Keen, Mark Sturgis, Robby Kassouf

Flight 2

• First Place - Charlie Ginn, '78, Chuck Adams, '80, Allen Brooker,'70, Kirk Vardeman, '78 (Not Pictured)
• Second Place - Caleb Zulander, Tom Smith, Lloyd Snyder, Eric Sebring
• Third place - Jack Melesh, Jake Dunlop, '18, Cody Walden, '18, Andrew Sherling, '18

Afternoon Flight:

Flight 1

• First Place - Dave Bartschy, Casey Conrad, Steve Conrad, Nick Stephenson
• Second Place - Caleb Kelley, '12, Randy Dunn (Not Pictured), Justin Ashe (Not Pictured), Jake Dunn (Not Pictured)
• Third Place - Shawn Kight, Adam Walker, Joe Jordan, Matt Gutierrez (Not Pictured)

Flight 2

• First Place - Tyler Isbell, '14, Brad Smith, Mitch Stubblefield, Joe Jordan (Not Pictured)
• Second Place - Tommy Skaggs, Randy Tompkins, Mel Halfon, Gary Nicholson
• Third place - Mark Vaughn, Mark Brooks, David Brooks (Not Pictured), Josh Nicholson (Not Pictured)

Tom Forkner, Sr. Alumni Team Challenge Winners:

• Charlie Ginn, '78, Chuck Adams, '80, Allen Brooker, '70, Kirk Vardeman, '78

Longest Drive: Curtis Phillips (morning flight), John Lichtenwalner, '21 (afternoon flight)

Closest to the Pin: Scott Keen (morning flight), Tony Spivey (afternoon flight)

Putting Green Contest: Andrew Sherling, '18

Winner of tournament raffle:

• Harrah's Package: Cody Walden, '18

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

Diamond Sponsors

• Alora Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
• Brasstown Valley Resort
• United Community Bank

Gold Sponsors

• Brown Haven Homes, Inc.
• Clay and Betty Dotson
• Follett Higher Education Group
• The Ridges Resort on Lake Chatuge
• Lydia J. Sartain, Attorney at Law

Silver Sponsors

• Bachelor and Kimball, Inc.
• The Budd Group
• Cigna
• EntryPoint Doors of Atlanta
• Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort
• Julian Jones, '61
• Kurt Momand, '77, and Heather Brunone, '08
• Montag & Caldwell, LLC
• OneDigital
• Tri-State Utility Products Inc
• Truist
• Union General Hospital

Bronze Sponsors

• Blue Ridge Mountain EMC
• Carter Williams/McGriff Insurance Services
• Lake Chatuge Living Magazine
• Mary Broadrick & John Moffitt

About Young Harris College

Young Harris College is a private baccalaureate and master's degree-granting institution located in the beautiful mountains of Northeast 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 offers 33 majors and 24 minors housed under twelve academic departments. Approximately 1,400 students are enrolled in its residential, master's degree, and Early College programs.

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