The 2026 Georgia State Parks Golf Cup Championship reached its climax on July 11 at The Lakes Golf Course in Waycross, GA, where the top qualifying teams from across the Georgia State Parks system gathered for the 27‑hole finale. The Cup — a two‑person scramble series contested at seven state park golf courses — continues to grow in popularity, accessibility, and competitive spirit. According to the Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites Division, the event is designed to showcase the quality of Georgia’s public golf facilities while giving everyday golfers a chance to compete in a statewide championship.
This year’s final delivered one of the most exciting finishes in Cup history, highlighted by strong scoring, excellent course conditions, and a field that brought both talent and camaraderie to Waycross.
A Championship Setting at The Lakes
The Lakes at Laura S. Walker State Park once again proved to be an ideal championship venue. Known for its generous fairways, strategic water features, and smooth, true‑rolling greens, the course offered a fair but challenging test for the finalists.
The outstanding conditions were the result of weeks of preparation by Clint Joiner, Jake Griffin, and Ivey Dial, whose dedication earned praise from players throughout the day. Competitors complimented everything from the firmness of the greens to the cleanliness of the bunkers, noting that The Lakes was “as good as they’ve ever seen it.”
Their hospitality and professionalism helped elevate the championship atmosphere, making the 2026 finale one of the most memorable yet.
Norris & Morris Win the 2026 Cup
The team of Tyler Norris & Michael Morris, who qualified at Arrowhead Pointe, captured the 2026 Georgia State Parks Golf Cup with a strong and steady performance across all 27 holes. Their final tally — a gross score of 86 and a net score of 70 — was enough to secure the Cup and edge out the rest of the field.
Norris & Morris demonstrated exceptional teamwork throughout the day. Their ability to stay composed, capitalize on scoring opportunities, and avoid costly mistakes proved decisive. The duo’s balanced approach — one player attacking when the other played conservatively — kept them in rhythm from start to finish.
Both championship teams also earned the Bridgestone Golf Experience, an exclusive fitting session that includes custom‑fit clubs, performance gear, and premium Bridgestone swag — a prize that added excitement to the finale and showcased Bridgestone’s commitment to the event.
Their victory adds their names to the growing list of Cup champions and reinforces the competitive spirit that defines this statewide event.
Low Net Champions: Erik Bagwell & Davis Bagwell
Finishing just behind the champions were Erik Bagwell & Davis Bagwell, who qualified at The Creek and delivered an impressive performance to claim the Low Net Championship.
The Bagwells posted a gross score of 90 and a net score of 72, narrowly missing the overall Cup title but securing top honors in the Handicap Division. Their round was marked by sharp wedge play, confident putting, and smart decision‑making — especially during the middle nine, where they made their strongest push.
Their achievement highlights the depth of competition within the Cup and underscores the importance of both skill and strategy in scramble formats.
A Tournament Supported by Partners and Community
The 2026 Cup continued its partnership with Bridgestone Golf, the event’s main sponsor. Their support helped enhance the player experience and contributed to the tournament’s growing reputation. Organizers expressed excitement about expanding the relationship in 2027 as the Cup continues to evolve.
The Georgia Golf Trail also played a key role in promoting the event. Doug Hollandsworth, founder of the Trail, offered praise for the championship and its mission:
“The Georgia State Parks Golf Cup continues to showcase what makes golf in our state so special — great courses, great people, and a commitment to growing the game. The Lakes was a fantastic host, and this championship gets better every year.”
Player Feedback: A Resounding Success
Players repeatedly praised the event’s organization, the friendliness of the staff, and the exceptional course conditions. Many noted that The Lakes provided one of the best playing surfaces they had seen all season, and the welcoming atmosphere made the championship feel both competitive and community‑driven.
The combination of strong leadership, dedicated course staff, and enthusiastic players created an environment that reflected the spirit of Georgia’s state park golf system — accessible, enjoyable, and proudly local.
Looking Ahead to 2027
With the 2026 championship now complete, organizers are already preparing for 2027. The continued partnership with Bridgestone Golf, the growing interest from teams across the state, and the success of this year’s finale suggest that the Georgia State Parks Golf Cup will continue to expand in both participation and prestige.
The Lakes delivered a championship experience worthy of the Cup, and the performances of Norris & Morris and the Bagwell team will be remembered as highlights of a year that celebrated competition, camaraderie, and the beauty of Georgia’s state park golf courses.
