FORMAT
The format is 72 holes of individual stroke play with the field cut to the low 60 players and ties after 36 holes.

ELIGIBILITY
ALL player’s shall play from the same yardage. Open to any current legal residents of the state of Georgia and have a valid drivers license that has not been issued less than 10 days before the entry deadline of 10:00 am Friday, July 10, 2026. A player may be required to show proof of residency.

Registration for the 75th Golf Pro Payments Georgia Open will open soon, with TBA qualifying sites and two last chance qualifiers to help determine the field of 144 players. Qualifying sites are filled on a first come, first serve basis. Entries will close for ALL exempt players on July 10, 2026 at 10:00 AM. If that deadline is missed, the only options are the last chance qualifiers TBA. That deadline is TBA.

REGISTRATION WILL OPEN SOON

The 75th Golf Pro Payments Georgia Open heads to Kinderlou Forest Golf Club in Valdosta for 2026 for the second time in three years. Located in South Georgia, Kinderlou is a premier gated community nestled in Valdosta, Georgia. Home to executive estates that meander through the renowned Kinderlou Forest Golf Club, the neighborhood offers an exceptional blend of luxury living and world-class recreation. Created by Davis Love III Designs, the professional course opened in April 2004, serving as host to many PGA Nationwide Tour and PGA Web.com events. The South Georgia Classic was one of the largest events on the tour, with one of the richest purses on the PGA qualifying circuit. In an area known for flat terrain, the topography of Kinderlou Forest is unusual for the region. Undulating hills lend a unique element not found in southern Georgia, and the signature #4 with its deep, all natural ravine is one of the most challenging, yet beautiful, holes on the course. With five tee boxes on each hole, the course plays as short as 4,713 yards or as long as 7,781 yards. For discerning golfers who enjoy a challenge, make plans to play a round at Kinderlou Forest. This will be the club’s second time hosting the Georgia Open. The Championship dates are August 6-August 8, preceded by the Georgia Open Pro-Am on August 5.

Amateur Nate Gahman of Albany emerged victorious at the 74th Golf Pro Payments Georgia Open, finishing at 9-under par to win by two shots over professional Anthony Maccaglia of Duluth. The championship was contested at Dalton Golf & Country Club, where challenging weather conditions added an unexpected twist to the final round.

A powerful overnight storm on Saturday brought 4.5 inches of rain to the area, forcing officials to delay Sunday’s final round an hour as the course staff worked to restore playability. Due to significant flooding, the 4th hole was deemed unplayable, and the championship was officially shortened to 71 holes.

Despite the disruptions, Gahman maintained focus and composure to outlast a competitive field that featured some of Georgia’s top professionals and amateurs. “I made the turn at three-under, and then the rain really picked up. Rain and wind. I think the weather almost helped me a little bit to really take it one shot at a time,” said Gahman. His consistent play over the four-day tournament secured him a place in the Georgia Open’s rich history.

Maccaglia, representing Duluth, made a strong push in the final round but ultimately finished two strokes behind Gahman, taking the low professional honors and the $9,500 check. Tied for third at 6-under par was professional Ruan Pretorius from Augusta and amateur Dalton Burts of Peachtree Corners. Rounding out the top five at 5-under par was Rahul Rajendran, an amateur from Alpharetta.