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:
Events like the Clay Dotson Open are not possible without the support of sponsors.
Diamond sponsors
Alora Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Brasstown Valley Resort and United Community Bank.
Gold sponsors
Brown Haven Homes, Inc.; Clay and Betty Dotson; Follett Higher Education Group; The Ridges Resort on Lake Chatuge and 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 and Union General Hospital.
Bronze sponsors
Blue Ridge Mountain EMC; Carter Williams/McGriff Insurance Services; Lake Chatuge Living Magazine; Mary Broadrick and John Moffitt.