A Spect-acular Week in Winder: Spector Wins Georgia PGA Girls Junior Championship
Molly Spector emerged victorious at the 47th Georgia PGA Girls Junior Championship presented by Edible Arrangements and United Bankshares at The Chimneys Golf Course on Thursday. 
Spector, a Class of 2028 golfer at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School in Atlanta, entered the final round in second place and turned in a copy-and-paste performance throughout the championship, carding matching rounds of 71-71-71 to finish at 3-under par. Her final round featured three consecutive birdies on holes 14, 15, and 16, helping her separate from the field down the stretch.
After tying for third at last year’s Georgia PGA Junior Championship at Cartersville Country Club, Spector broke through this year to capture her first title. She expressed her relief in climbing to victory after finishing just shy of a win last year.
“It feels a lot better,” she said. “It feels good not to come up short.”
Molly’s win earns her a spot in the 2026 Junior PGA Championship at Fields Ranch East in Frisco, Texas on July 28-31. She also now qualifies for the North American Championship at Streamsong Golf Resort in Bowling Green, Florida for the NXXT Faldo Junior Tour in December. After her exceptionally consistent performance this week, Spector eyes Frisco with anticipation.
“I’m really excited to go to Texas,” she added. “A lot of hard work this week definitely paid off.”
Bailey Nam, just 13 years old, delivered one of the tournament’s most impressive rounds, firing a 6-under-par 66 on Wednesday with six birdies. Her 1-under-par score and second place finish also secures her a place in the Junior PGA Championship later this summer.
PGA of America Professional and General Manager of The Chimneys Golf Course, Elizabeth Clarkson, voiced her pleasure in seeing the level of golf competition among this field of girls at her course.
“As a female professional in the golf industry, it makes me so proud to host an event like the Georgia PGA Girls Junior Championship,” she said. “Watching these girls compete confirms the progress we’ve made in introducing girls to golf at the highest levels.”
Spector expressed her appreciation to those involved in the championship.
“Thanks to everyone that played, The Chimneys, and Georgia PGA for hosting the tournament,” she said.
Next Tuesday through Thursday, the boys will compete at the Georgia PGA Boys Junior Championship at Jennings Mill Country Club in Watkinsville, where the top two finishers will also earn exemptions into the Junior PGA Championship.
For complete results and more information about the Georgia PGA Junior Tour, visit www.georgiapga.com.
ABOUT EDIBLE ARRANGEMENTS
Founded in 1999, Edible Arrangements has revolutionized the gifting industry, uniquely leveraging the synergistic power of an innovative e-commerce hub and locally owned brick-and-mortar locations across the globe. Edible’s platform seamlessly blends the convenience of online shopping with a vast retail footprint that services over 70% of U.S. households within an hour. Expanding beyond its iconic fruit arrangements, Edible has a range of offerings, including delectable dessert boards, cookies, brownies, cakes, farm-fresh flowers and more – perfect for every celebratory occasion and any treat-yourself moment. For more information, visit edible.com.
ABOUT UNITED BANKSHARES
United Bankshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: UBSI) is a leading regional financial services company headquartered in Washington, D.C., and Charleston, West Virginia. With over $29 billion in assets and more than 200 full-service locations across the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern U.S., United provides a comprehensive range of banking, investment, and trust services. Committed to strong community engagement and sound financial performance, United has a long-standing history of stability and growth since its founding in 1839. Visit them online at https://www.ubsi-inc.com/.
ABOUT PGA REACH GEORGIA
PGA REACH Georgia is the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the Georgia PGA Section. Through youth initiatives, military programs, and inclusion efforts, PGA REACH Georgia uses the game of golf to positively impact lives and strengthen communities across Georgia.