Georgia PGA Announces Second Playing of “The Drew” at East Lake Golf Club

The Georgia PGA is proud to announce the second playing of The Drew, scheduled for Monday, November 2, 2026, at legendary East Lake Golf Club, continuing a powerful tradition created in honor of the late Drew Dunn, PGA.

The announcement comes during PGA Championship week, a fitting time to celebrate the impact PGA Professionals make on the game, their communities, and the lives they influence every day.

Following the emotional and highly successful inaugural event in 2025, The Drew will once again feature many of Georgia’s top PGA Professionals competing at one of the game’s most historic venues. The inaugural championship produced a memorable finish, as Dan Merriman, PGA, Head PGA Professional at East Lake Golf Club, captured the title and the historic $50,000 first-place prize, the largest individual payout in Georgia PGA history.

Created to honor Drew Dunn, PGA, whose journey from caddie to Director of Golf at East Lake inspired countless PGA Professionals across the country, The Drew was designed to celebrate competitive excellence, mentorship, and the lasting impact of PGA Professionals within the game of golf. The championship was made possible through the vision and generosity of longtime Georgia PGA supporter Philip Jones, whose commitment to honoring Drew’s legacy helped bring both the event and The Drew Grant to life.

New for 2026, the Georgia PGA will introduce a Pro-Am experience on Sunday, November 1, allowing supporters, partners, and guests the opportunity to participate alongside Georgia PGA Professionals during an unforgettable weekend at East Lake.

In addition, PGA REACH Georgia will officially announce the inaugural recipient of The Drew Grant during the event festivities. The grant, first unveiled alongside the inaugural championship in 2025, was established to support the professional development of aspiring PGA Professionals in Georgia and continue Drew Dunn’s legacy of mentorship and service. Additional details regarding the application process and timeline for prospective applicants will be announced in the coming months.

“The response to the inaugural playing of The Drew exceeded anything we could have imagined,” said Scott Geary. “The event quickly became about much more than competition. It became a celebration of PGA Professionals, of Drew’s incredible legacy, and of the relationships and impact this profession creates. Announcing the second playing during PGA Championship week feels especially meaningful as we continue recognizing the important role PGA Professionals play throughout the game.”

Philip Jones added, “Drew Dunn represented everything that is great about the PGA Professional. His passion for people, love for the game, and commitment to helping others made a lasting impact on so many. Seeing The Drew come to life and continue to grow is incredibly meaningful, and we are excited to continue honoring Drew’s legacy through this championship and grant program.”

Chad Parker, President & General Manager of East Lake Golf Club, added, “The inaugural event was an incredibly special moment for everyone connected to East Lake and to Drew. We are honored to once again host The Drew and continue building something that celebrates not only competitive golf, but also the people and relationships that make this game so meaningful.”

Additional event details, including field information, Pro-Am opportunities, sponsorship opportunities, and Drew Grant application details, will be released by the Georgia PGA and PGA REACH Georgia later this year.

For more information on The Drew and The Drew Grant, visit www.georgiapga.com.

ABOUT THE GEORGIA PGA

The Georgia PGA is one of the 41 Sections of the PGA of America and represents more than 1,00

0 PGA Professionals throughout the state. With a mission to promote the enjoyment and growth of the game of golf, the Georgia PGA supports its members through education, competitive tournaments, and community-focused programming. The Section plays a vital role in advancing the profession and fostering excellence across all areas of the game, from junior golf and player development to career services and community impact.

ABOUT EAST LAKE GOLF CLUB

Founded in 1904, East Lake Golf Club is the oldest golf course in Atlanta and most famously known as the home course of Bobby Jones, golf’s greatest amateur champion. Today, East Lake serves as the permanent home of the TOUR Championship, the final event of the PGA TOUR’s FedExCup Playoffs. Since 1995, the club has been the cornerstone of a broader community revitalization effort led by the East Lake Foundation, using golf as a platform to inspire change and opportunity. East Lake Golf Club stands as a national model for how golf can serve as a force for good in the lives of individuals and communities.

For more information or media inquiries, please contact:

Sloan Aubrey
Communications Coordinator
Georgia PGA
saubrey@pgahq.com