Event: 48th Carolinas Women's Four-Ball Championship & 10th Carolinas Senior Women's Four Ball Championship 

STANLEY, N.C. (June 4, 2025) – After two days of intense competition at Cowans Ford Golf Club, the Carolinas Golf Association is proud to announce the winners of the 48th Carolinas Women’s Four-Ball and 10th Carolinas Senior Women’s Four-Ball Championship.

In the Women’s Division, UNC Charlotte teammates Ting Uang and Pinky Chaisilprungruang of Charlotte, N.C. took home the title with a final round of even-par 72, finishing at 7-under, 137 for the championship. In the Senior Women’s Division, the team of Lea Venable of Simpsonville, N.C. and Cathy Hill of Gaston, N.C. came out on top with a standout second-round 6-under 66, finishing at 4-under, 140.

The championship opened with exceptional performances across both divisions. In the Women’s Division, Uang and Chaisilprungruang surged to an early lead with a 7-under, 65, the lowest round of the day. They were the only team in their division to break 70 in Round 1 besides Colleen Estes and Emilia Migliaccio of Charlotte, N.C., who posted a 3-under, 69. Uang and Chaisilprungruang held off a strong field with their bogey-free opening round. In the Senior Division, Lea Anne Brown of Mount Pleasant, S.C. and Pam Prescott of Piedmont, S.C. set the tone with a 3-under, 69, giving them a two-shot lead heading into the final round. Three teams tied at even-par 72, keeping the competition tight.

On Wednesday, Uang and Chaisilprungruang turned in a 1-under front nine but struggled on the back, recording three bogeys. That opened the door for Estes and Migliaccio to post a 2-under, 70—matching the second-lowest round of the day. They tied for second at 5-under, 139 alongside Joliana Hodges of Charlotte, N.C. and Patricia Burris of Lenoir, N.C., who made a big push with a strong 3-under-par 69 in the final round.

When asked how their experience as teammates prepared them for the tournament, Uang said, “I feel like we really trust each other… we both hit really well so it just makes us feel more comfortable on the golf course.” Their consistent play and team mentality set them apart in a highly competitive field featuring multiple former, current, and committed Division I athletes. Notable schools represented included alumni from Wake Forest and Appalachian State, and current players from Wingate, Georgia Southern, and Mississippi State.

The Senior Women’s field saw a major momentum shift in Round 2, as Venable and Hill surged from T9 after Round 1 to solo first with an outstanding 6-under, 66—the lowest round in the entire senior field.

“My theory is, in a four-ball, par is your friend,” Venable said. “So when you start making birdies you just forget about it and go to the next hole… today, we never really looked back. We were just moving forward.”

A decorated CGA champion, Venable previously won this championship in 2012 and 2014, and also claimed the Carolinas Mixed Team Championship in 2013. Round 1 leaders Brown and Prescott dropped to T4 after a 3-over, 75, while the steady play of Sarah Phillips-Durst and Toni Notaro of Pinehurst, N.C. earned them a solo second-place finish at 2-under, 142.

The Carolinas Golf Association extends its appreciation to the staff and membership of Cowans Ford GC for their support and hospitality throughout the week. Special thanks to Superintendent Mitchell Clodfelter, General Manager Mike Riddle, Head Golf Professional Lance Reid, and the entire team for helping host the 48th Carolinas Women’s Four-Ball Championship and 10th Carolinas Senior Women’s Four-Ball Championship.

Event: 10th Carolinian Amateur Championship
Host Site: Keith Hills Golf Club, Buies Creek, N.C.
Playing Dates: May 16-18, 2025
Social Media: @CGAgolf1909

Related: Championship Website | Results | Course Analytics | Player Analytics | Photos

BUIES CREEK, N.C. (May 18, 2025) – Brett McLamb of Coats, N.C., captured the 10th Carolinian Amateur Championship on Sunday at Keith Hills Golf Club, firing rounds of 69-64-72 for an 11-under-par total of 205 and a three-shot win over Layne Lambert of Matthews, N.C. McLamb, who calls Keith Hills his home course, broke through with his first Carolinian Amateur title after several close calls in past years. The win comes just weeks after his maiden CGA victory at the 2025 Carolinas Mid-Amateur.

“I’ve been playing this tournament for a while and been right there every year,” said McLamb. “This year the stars aligned. We played good golf the whole week and were finally able to get a dub.” A second-round 64 vaulted McLamb to the top of the leaderboard, and he closed with a steady 72 to seal the win.

Despite his big-hitting style, McLamb said Keith Hills demands strategy over strength. “It’s not a long course, but it’s a position course. I’ve been playing here since high school and college, so I know where to hit it and where not to. You stick to the game plan out here, or you can make a big number fast.”

Lambert carded rounds of 71-69-68 to finish solo second at 8-under-par 208. Matt Moot of Lillington, N.C., placed third with a 7-under 209 total after rounds of 69-71-69. Three players tied for fourth at 6-under 210: Quinlan Polin of Cary, N.C. (71-70-69), Daniel Boone of Fuquay Varina, N.C. (73-66-71), and William Mitchell of Cary, N.C. (65-75-70).

McLamb reflected on how becoming a father has changed his approach to the game. “My perspective has changed. Golf used to be the thing. Now, win or lose, I’m going home to a beautiful baby and a beautiful wife,” he said. “I’m not putting as much pressure on myself anymore, and the game is just fitting into place.”

The Carolinas Golf Association extends its appreciation to the staff and membership of Keith Hills Golf Club for their support and hospitality throughout the week. Special thanks to Director of Golf Martha Sutton, Superintendent Josh Stephenson, and the entire team for helping host the 10th Carolinian Amateur Championship.

Event: 20th Vicki DiSantis Junior Girls’ Championship
Host Site: Stonebridge Golf Club, Monroe, N.C.
Playing Dates: May 6–8, 2025
Social Media: @CGAgolf1909

Related: Championship Website | Results | Course Analytics | Player Analytics | Photos

MONROE, N.C. (May 8, 2025) – Calm, consistent, and clutch down the stretch, Juno Taino of Pinehurst, N.C., delivered a wire-to-wire victory at the 20th Vicki DiSantis Junior Girls’ Championship, finishing at 9-under-par total for the championship at Stonebridge Golf Club in Mornoe, N.C..

Taino, a member of the Class of 2029, opened with rounds of 4-under 68 and even-par 72 during Saturday’s 36-hole doubleheader. On Mother’s Day Sunday, with rain clouds looming and pressure mounting, she posted the low round of the tournament — a 5-under 67 — to secure the title by one shot over Emerson B. Dever of Durham, N.C.

“My ball striking was pretty good today,” said Taino. “I stayed calm and learned from my experience last week where I didn’t finish strong. That helped me stay focused and finish the round with just one bogey.”

Taino’s final score of 207 was one better than Dever’s 208. Dever, a 2025 graduate, also carded a 67 in the final round, making for a thrilling duel atop the leaderboard. Charlotte’s Elizabeth Guthrie (Class of 2028) finished third at 2-under 214 after an opening-round 69.

The field featured many of the Carolinas’ most promising junior girls, and weather played a major role as well. Players completed 36 holes on Saturday in warm, breezy conditions. On Sunday, intermittent rain settled into the Monroe area, but all groups completed play without interruption.

“I’m actually leaving Tuesday for another tournament, so I won’t have much time to celebrate,” Taino added. “But I’ll take tomorrow off, hang out with my brothers, and celebrate Mother’s Day with my mom.”

First held in 2005, the Vicki DiSantis Junior Girls’ Championship is named in honor of longtime CGA volunteer and past president Vicki DiSantis, a champion of junior golf across the Carolinas. The event has grown into one of the CGA’s most prestigious junior championships for girls, offering a competitive and welcoming atmosphere for rising players to shine.

As players hugged their moms and posed for photos on the 18th green, this year’s tournament served as both a celebration of junior golf and a fitting tribute to the families behind the players — especially the moms who help make it all possible.

The Carolinas Golf Association would like to extend its sincere thanks to the staff at Stonebridge Golf Club for their hospitality and support throughout the championship. Special appreciation goes to Nick Jacobi, General Manager, and the entire golf operations, agronomy, and food & beverage teams for their efforts in delivering a top-tier experience for players, families, and spectators alike. Their commitment to junior golf helped make the 20th Vicki DiSantis Junior Girls’ Championship a memorable and meaningful event.

Event: 39th N.C. Senior Amateur Championship
Host Site: Country Club of Salisbury, Salisbury, N.C.
Playing Dates: May 6-8, 2025
Social Media: @CGAgolf1909

Related: Championship Website | Results | Course Analytics | Player Analytics | Photos

SALISBURY, N.C. (May 9, 2025) – Jeffrey Lankford of Mocksville, N.C., captured the 39th North Carolina Senior Amateur Championship in commanding fashion on Friday, finishing at 4-under-par 209 total for the week at the Country Club of Salisbury in Salisbury, N.C.

Lankford’s stellar second-round of 5-under 66 proved to be the difference-maker. He posted a 72-66-71 over three rounds to finish five shots clear of a three-way tie for second. It marks his first CGA individual title.

“Tee to green was pretty solid, that's normally my game,” said Lankford. “Even though I'm a member here, the course is so demanding. I made some putts and stayed out of trouble for the most part, which is the key out here.”

He plans to celebrate in classic fashion: “I'm going to go have about two or three transfusions with my buddies and my family,” Lankford said with a grin.

Three players finished in a tie for second place at 1-over-par 214 including Paul Jett of Southern Pines, N.C., Jay Barnes of Charlotte, N.C. and Jonathan Sielsky of Huntersville, N.C. Jett climbed the board with rounds of 73-70-71, while Barnes rode a second-round 2-under 69 into contention before finishing with a 3-over 74. Sielsky opened strong with a 1-under 70 and remained steady throughout the week.

Five players tied for fifth at 2-over 215, including Scott Park of Charlotte, N.C., James Pearson of Charlotte, N.C.  and Larry Cloninger of Gastonia, N.C., all of whom posted rounds of 72 or better in the final round to hold position.

Salisbury Country Club, playing to a par of 71, tested the full field with its narrow fairways, subtle greens, and demanding approach shots. Lankford’s local knowledge and consistent play gave him a winning edge in a week where staying out of trouble was key.

The Carolinas Golf Association extends its sincere thanks to the staff and membership of Salisbury Country Club for their outstanding hospitality and support throughout the week. Special thanks to Head Golf Professional Chad Campbell, Golf Course Superintendents Ron Bivins and Gerry Moree, General Manager Isaac Davis, Membership Liason Angie Phifer and Food & Beverage Manager Erin D. Atwood for their support in hosting the 39th North Carolina Senior Amateur Championship. 

Event: 74th Carolinas Four-Ball Championship
Host Site: Camden Country Club, Camden, S.C.
Playing Dates: May 1-5, 2025
Social Media: @CGAgolf1909

Related: Championship Website | Results | Course Analytics | Photos

CAMDEN, S.C. (May 4, 2025) – Stephen Lavenets of Willow Spring, N.C. and Patrick Stephenson of Columbia, S.C. rallied late in the final match of the 74th Carolinas Four-Ball Championship at Camden Country Club, to secure their first CGA title as a team.

The former ECU golfers delivered clutch performances as the No. 25 seed throughout the match play bracket, including a come-from-behind victory in the championship match. Trailing by two with five holes to play, the duo birdied 15 and 18 to defeat the No. 2 seed side of Harrison Rhoades and John Pitt of Raleigh, N.C., who held the lead for most of the final match.

“This is why I wake up in the morning thinking about golf,” said an emotional Lavenets after the win. “You saw me getting emotional. This is why I go out in my backyard with my son and chip golf balls. It's to win a CGA championship, to win something big. I've seen all my buddies do it, and I wanted one.”

The road to the title was anything but easy. After opening with a 71 in the first round of stroke play qualifying, Lavenets and Stephenson needed a big round to secure a spot in the match play bracket. They delivered just that in round two, with Stephenson carding a 65 on his own ball to help the team post a 63 and advance. From there, every match went the distance, including two that extended into extra holes.

"We were under the gun from day one," said Levenets. "We bogeyed the first hole. We were under the gun from the start. We went back home. We knew we had to fire a round. (Pat) balled out the first three or four days on his own. I was nowhere. And then the last couple days, I showed up and played some golf, and that’s what helped us out.” 

That grind paid off. Facing a tied match on the 18th tee in the final match, Lavenets came through in the clutch once more, securing the birdie that gave them their only lead of the match and the championship.

“I felt like this was our moment,” said Lavenets. “Even two weeks ago or earlier this week, I was standing over shots thinking really bad thoughts. But I got over that one thinking, ‘This might be our only shot. Got to hit one well.’”

“It’s so much more fun with a partner,” Stephenson added. “Honestly, the last couple of days, I almost wanted it more for Steve than for myself. We had someone in our ear all day, grinding together. It just means more. We play all year and you don’t always get a win in golf. To make clutch putts, win matches on the last hole, and do it together, that’s pretty special.”

Even in the final match, they never led until the final hole. Rhoades and Pitt held the advantage most of the way, leading by two after 13. But Lavenets and Stephenson refused to go quietly.

“We were in the cart just saying, ‘Let’s get one,’” Lavenets said. “If we could get one, we felt like we could get another. They beat us up and down all day. But every chance we had to win a hole, we took it.”

“They opened the door on 14,” said Stephenson. “I hit a great chip shot off the hardpan and Steve had a great putt to win the hole. That was where the momentum shifted. If I duff that chip or Steve misses, they probably ride that to the finish. But we took advantage when it counted.”

The team credited their comfort level at Camden as a key factor. They advanced deep in the bracket here in 2024 as well, with several matches going beyond 18 holes.

“Even last year, we went 21 holes, 23 holes, 18 holes,” Lavenets said. “We’re comfortable here. We’ve done it.”

And their connection to Camden runs deep. “Today felt like Camden,” said Lavenets. “Earlier in the week we were asking ourselves where to land the golf ball just to keep it on the green because it was spinning backwards. But by today, the balls were jumping forward again. This place is home. I’ve got so many group chats with my buddies just saying, ‘Let’s go home.’ And it’s because we’re driving here. We love this place.”

The CGA would like to thank the staff and membership at Camden Country Club for their outstanding hospitality and support throughout the 74th Carolinas Four-Ball Championship. Special appreciation goes to General Manager Wayne Watts, PGA Professional Matthew McCarley, Superintendent Nick Price, and the entire team at Camden Country Club.