ATLANTA, GA – In a fitting finish to the second playing of The Drew, Andrew “Drew” Arft, PGA of America Assistant Professional at Barnsley Resort, captured the championship and its $50,000 winner-take-all prize on Monday at East Lake Golf Club. Arft secured the victory with a birdie in the championship shootout, adding his name to the trophy of an event established in memory of the late Drew Dunn, PGA.
For Arft, the victory came just six weeks after relocating to Georgia to join the staff at Barnsley Resort in Adairsville. New to the Georgia PGA Section, Arft entered the championship with little expectation of walking away with the largest single payout in Section history.
Following 18 holes of stroke play, Todd Ormsby, PGA Instructor at Summer Grove Golf Club, and Jin Chung, PGA Teaching Professional at Chateau Elan Golf Club, shared the lead at 2-under-par. Arft and Chad Thomas, PGA Assistant Professional at West Pines Golf Club, finished tied for third at 1-under-par to round out the four players advancing to the winner-take-all shootout.
Thomas earned his spot in dramatic fashion on the 18th hole, making an impressive up-and-down for birdie from the left greenside bunker. Facing a 30-yard bunker shot, Thomas knocked it to nine feet and converted the birdie putt to reach 1-under-par and secure his place in the final four.
With $50,000 on the line, the four competitors returned to East Lake’s 18th hole for the championship shootout. Arft reached the green in two, leaving himself a 35-foot eagle putt for the win. His eagle attempt rolled four feet past the hole, but he calmly converted the birdie putt to claim the title. Thomas and Chung each made par, while Ormsby finished with a bogey, leaving Arft as the lone player to make birdie and secure the $50,000 prize.
Arft’s journey to East Lake began in Florida, where he took up golf as a teenager before playing collegiately at the University of Central Florida and Columbus State University. After turning professional, he spent approximately six years competing on various professional tours, including PGA TOUR Latinoamérica and in England, before transitioning into teaching and pursuing PGA Membership. His career eventually led him to Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate before a new opportunity brought him to Barnsley Resort and the Georgia PGA just six weeks ago.
Remarkably, Arft’s first experience playing East Lake Golf Club came just one day before the championship, when he competed in Sunday’s Drew Pro-Am. Despite his limited familiarity with the course, he made the most of his opportunity, delivering the winning birdie when it mattered most.
While the $50,000 prize was a career highlight, Arft was already thinking about how he could give back. Following his victory, he announced plans to donate $5,000 of his winnings to support The Drew Grant, an initiative of PGA REACH Georgia that provides financial assistance to aspiring PGA Professionals working toward Class A Membership.
“I think anytime you play an event based on a foundation, it’s always good to give back,” said Arft. “I’m more than happy to, and I can’t wait to be back here next year.”
His commitment added another meaningful chapter to a championship created to honor Drew Dunn’s legacy of mentorship, generosity and dedication to the PGA Professional community.
The second playing of The Drew built on the success of its inaugural championship in 2025, when East Lake Golf Club Head PGA Professional Dan Merriman captured the first title and $50,000 prize in an emotional victory at his home club.
Philip Jones, whose vision and financial support helped bring The Drew to life, has played a key role in establishing the championship and its $50,000 winner-take-all prize. In a fitting twist, Jones also found himself in the winner’s circle, teaming up with Matt Sanders, PGA Head Professional at West Pines Golf Club, to claim the gross division title in Sunday’s Drew Pro-Am.
The 2026 event also marked another milestone for The Drew Grant, as PGA REACH Georgia recognized Mark Capo as its inaugural recipient during Sunday’s dinner and reception. The grant, which provides up to $3,500 in financial assistance, was established to carry forward Dunn’s commitment to supporting the next generation of PGA Professionals.
With another memorable championship in the books, The Drew continues to celebrate competitive excellence while honoring the life and lasting impact of a PGA Professional whose legacy reaches far beyond the golf course.