Ellison Goes Back-to-Back at the 2026 Georgia Women’s Open
Amateur Morgan Ellison of Peachtree City successfully defended her title at the 2026 Georgia Women’s Open Presented by Played With Heart and supported by Flyway Hats on The Golf Club of Georgia’s famed Lakeside Course. The 32nd edition of the championship saw Ellison overcome a five-shot deficit entering the final round, firing a bogey-free 7-under-par 65 to become the first player in recent tournament history to successfully defend her Georgia Women’s Open title.
Professional Tatum Walsh of Cartersville, Georgia, held the solo lead through the opening two rounds after posting scores of 71 and 69 to sit at 4-under-par entering Wednesday’s final round. Amateur Lili Nelson of Greensboro, Georgia fired the round of the championship during Tuesday’s second round, a 7-under-par 65, to climb into solo second heading into the final day.
Ellison, a graduate of the University of Texas at San Antonio, entered the week as the defending champion and fresh off winning the 2026 U.S. Women’s Amateur Four-Ball Championship. After opening the championship with rounds of 73 and 72, she remained confident there were birdie opportunities waiting on the Lakeside Course.
“It is super special,” Ellison said. “At the beginning of the week it crossed my mind that I could defend, but I tried to put that aside and just play my game.”
That approach paid off Wednesday. Ellison caught fire with a 5-under-par 31 on the front nine and went on to card seven birdies without a bogey. Her championship-best 65 gave her rounds of 73-72-65 and a five-shot victory.
“I kind of got it running on the front nine,” Ellison said. “Made some putts, saw some go in and got the confidence going. We were just having a blast out there, and it was really special to be able to enjoy the walk up 18.”
Throughout the championship, Ellison once again had her father, Tod, on the bag, recreating the same father-daughter pairing that helped lead her to the title one year ago. Having him alongside her once again made the successful title defense even more meaningful.
“Couldn’t tell you a time he hasn’t caddied for me besides college,” Ellison said. “It means a lot to have him on the bag and to have my mom here this year.”
Walsh finished as the Low Professional of the championship. Nelson, who will begin her freshman season at Georgia Southern University this fall, and amateur Madison Rookard of Atlanta, who will be a junior at Georgia State University, tied for second at 1-under-par. Rookard closed with a final-round 69 while playing alongside Ellison in the final pairing.
In the Senior Division, contested over 36 holes, amateur Laura Coble of Augusta claimed the championship after rounds of 71 and 72 to finish at 1-under-par. The 2004 Georgia Women’s Open Champion added another chapter to her decorated Georgia golf career by capturing the Senior Division title. Amateur Sarah Gallagher mounted a final-round charge with a 2-under-par 70 but finished just one stroke behind Coble.
Georgia PGA Operations Manager Dominic Smith praised the efforts of everyone who helped make the championship a success, stating, “We couldn’t have this championship without our players, so thank you to everyone who competed this week. We’d also like to thank The Golf Club of Georgia and Mr. Kenny for once again hosting us, along with our presenting partner, Played With Heart, supporting partner, Flyway Hats, and everyone who helped make these last three days so amazing.”
For full results and more information on the Georgia Women’s Open and other Georgia PGA events, visit www.georgiapga.com.
ABOUT PLAYED WITH HEART
Played with Heart Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring and empowering the next generation of female golfers. Our mission is to provide young girls with engaging and accessible opportunities to learn and excel in the game of golf, while bringing to light the sport’s greater purpose of community, mentorship, empowerment, and camaraderie. Visit them online at https://www.playedwithheart.com/.
ABOUT FLYWAY HATS
Based in Thomasville, Georgia, Flyway Hats is a premium lifestyle headwear brand specializing in high-quality sun hats and performance headwear. With roots dating back to 1865, Flyway combines timeless style with modern performance, offering UPF 50+ sun protection and products designed for golf, outdoor recreation, and everyday wear. Visit them online at: https://flywayhats.com/