Threlkeld Thrills with Unbelievable Finish to Win 75th Georgia Open
Hughes Threlkeld secured victory in remarkable fashion at the 75th Golf Pro Payments Georgia Open presented by Smok’n Pig B-B-Q and Visit Valdosta at Kinderlou Forest Golf Club in Valdosta on Sunday. The mini-tour professional from St. Simons Island, who holed out from the greenside bunker on the second playoff hole to outlast fellow mini-tour professional Beck Burnette from Blairsville in an astounding finish. 
Three strokes back to begin the final round, Threlkeld caught fire early with four birdies on a bogey-free front nine, pulling even with Burnette at the turn and sparking a two-man race the rest of the way. However, bogeys on holes 10, 13, and 14 again set Threlkeld three strokes behind Burnette, but the champion credited his composure for getting back into contention on the last few holes.
“I thought I was out of it on the back nine midway, but I did a good job of resetting and hanging in there,” he said. “I just knew I had to hang in there as long as I can, and crazy stuff can happen.”
Burnette entered the 18th hole with a one-shot lead, but a clutch par putt from Threlkeld after a Burnette bogey brought both players to 15-under-par 273 and set up a playoff on the 18th hole.
After Burnette tapped in for par on the first playoff hole, Threlkeld drilled yet another must-make 14-foot putt to force a second playoff on hole 18. There, he delivered the shot of the tournament and claimed the title with the 55-foot hole out from the bunker.
“It was really a hit and hope. My only hope of keeping it on the green was to hit the hole, and luckily it came out pretty good,” he said. “Crazy.”
Atlanta native and current Georgia Southern University golf team member Pierce Adamson finished third overall and claimed the low amateur honors at 11-under 277 for the championship. Adamson jumped five spots on the leaderboard Sunday with a 6-under 66, the best round of the day.
To add to the improbability of his victory, Threlkeld earned a spot in the field as an alternate just last week.
Threlkeld’s victory marked the conclusion of the 75th playing of the Georgia Open since its inception in 1952. The tournament continues its tradition as one of Georgia’s premier golf championships, featuring top talent from throughout the state.
About Kinderlou Forest Golf Club
A haven for homeowners searching for a distinctive and unique address, Kinderlou Forest is South Georgia’s premier golf and residential community. Beautiful homes line the main boulevard and surround the golf course as part of several diverse residential areas, with new home sites available to appeal to a variety of homebuyers. As the home of a Davis Love III signature designed 18-hole championship golf course, Kinderlou Forest has been the site of the South Georgia Classic on the Korn Ferry Tour and many PGA Tour qualifying events. The course is playing at 7,710 yards to a par-72 for the week.
About Golf Pro Payments
Golf Pro Payments was founded in 2019 by payment processing industry leaders. GPP was built on the expertise of golf, hospitality, and recreation professionals to create focused solutions for facilities in the club industry space. We utilize patented tokenization and gateway solutions, making payment acceptance simple, integrated, and secure.
About Visit Valdosta
Valdosta, The Capital of South Georgia, is surrounded by several smaller cities and towns within Lowndes County, including Hahira, Lake Park, Dasher, and Remerton. While you’re here, make sure to explore and discover what makes each of them special in their own way. From unique dining options to outdoor events that draw thousands of visitors, we think you’ll be surprised at what you find.
About Smok’n Pig B-B-Q
At Smok’n Pig, we use the finest quality pork, chicken, and Sterling Silver® beef to serve you. B-B-Q slow cooked daily with pecan wood… never dry, always lean and juicy inside. It is our goal daily to prove that we are only as good as our last meal. We feel that B-B-Q should never be eaten alone, always with friends and family. It’s our goal at the Smok’n Pig to be that gathering place with a southern tradition and old time B-B-Q, freshly prepared country cookin’ just like grandpa used to do back in the day. So relax, sit back, and enjoy!