Results
Recap written by Bryan Akers of The Putters League
Greg Newport (NC) claimed the 2026 Georgia State Open title with a round of 28, edging a tightly bunched field that included Rick Baird and Gary Hester (NC), who tied for second. Division champions Kevin Walter (Georgia Pro), Paula Gay (Women's), and Scott Lanham (TN, Amateur) also took home titles at the tour's season opener. The weekend's signature moments belonged to Jason Raby (TN), who fired back-to-back 27s for the lowest round of the tournament, and Rock Haynes (GA), who sank six holes-in-one across his final seven lanes.
A big thank you to The Fringe and their entire team for hosting yet another outstanding Georgia State Open — this year's event also marked a special milestone, celebrating five seasons of tournaments together at their venue. We're incredibly grateful for their hospitality and hard work in making the Southern Swing's season opener possible. And to our sponsors: thank you for your continued support, which helps make events like this one happen year after year.
Tournament Info
AMA Scoring Tier & Region: Red | South
Rounds: 3 (amateur) & 5 (local pro & pro)
Time: Tee off - 8am
Format: Individual Stroke Play
Course(s) Played: Chattahoochee Gulch (western-themed course)
Divisions: Pro, local pro, amateur, & women’s
Entry Fee: Coming soon. Past years were $75 (pro), $55 (local pro) & $25 (amateur
Registration: Details coming soon
Overall Purse:$2500 with additional gift certificates and prizes available. The Georgia Open will have a $500 purse that will be awarded to the Georgia Pro plus prizes, and trophies for all deivisions including the Women’s divisions
Ball: Golf ball only
Exception from Standard AMA Rules: None noted
Additional Detailss=
The Georgia Open, by Putters League, is the first stop of 3 for the Southern Swing Pro Mini Golf Tour and is affiliated with the USPMGA.
All tournaments on the Tour will be 5 rounds for pros with a $2,500 purse. Top 15 spots payout.
Practice days for the tournament are $10/day beginning Sunday July 5th and are paid directly to the Fringe. Just ask for the “Putters League practice rate”.
The Southern Swing Tour Champion will receive an additional $500 and free entry into the USPMGA Master’s.
Putters League Website & Facebook
Southern Pro Swing Website & Facebook
Course record is 26, and low scores are usually in the mid to upper 20s
Results: GA Open 2024 & 2025 | Putters League Championship 2024 & 2025
Tour of the course with Bryan Akers of the Putters League (below) was in July 2023. The turf was replaced in early 2024 and scores have gotten lower with each event.