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The Dogwood: Trey Rule wins in playoff
Trey Rule
Trey Rule

By Rory Sharrock, for AmateurGolf.com

ATLANTA, Georgia (Jun 28, 2014) -- It took four rounds, and two playoff holes, but The Dogwood Invitational finally showcased the same player who began and ended the day sitting atop the leaderboard.

Mercer University golfer Trey Rule teed off Saturday with a one-shot lead and concluded play with the trophy in hand, defeating Winthrop University’s Zach Seabolt to clinch The Dogwood Invitational at Druid Hills Golf Club.

Rule’s win didn’t come without its share of drama. When the pair squared off on the par-5 No. 18, Rule held a two-stroke lead at -22 and appeared to be in the driver’s seat for the title. Victory seemed a foregone conclusion when Seabolt misfired on an eagle attempt and had to settle for birdie. However, Rule, needing a relatively short par save for championship glory, left his putt short and made bogey, sending the tournament into a sudden-death playoff.

“I honestly didn’t think it would go to a playoff. When I hit that putt, I felt like I hit it with the putter cover on,” said Rule.

The duo moved to No. 1 for the first playoff hole where they traded shots and drew even with par scores. On the second playoff hole, the players returned to No. 18 where things began to unravel for Seabolt. After Rule blasted the ball down the middle, Seabolt hit an errant tee shot which sailed wide left of the fairway, landing in a rugged surface of twigs. Rule continued to stroll along uphill to the green while Seabolt needed two shots just to get back on the fairway. Upon his second trip to the green on 18, Rule was on point, sinking his shot and adding his name to the lure of this historic tournament.

“It really hasn’t sunk in yet,” said Rule. “My favorite golfer is Webb Simpson. He won here (2007) and he’s one of the reasons why I wanted to play in this event. I’m so thankful and blessed to win The Dogwood Invitational. God is great.”

This was the third playoff finale at The Dogwood in the last 20 years. The last two occurred in 1998 (Michael Kirk) and 2001 (Kyle Thompson). This also was the second longest playoff in the history of this tournament.

Results: Dogwood Invitational
1GATrey RuleEatonton, GA100067-67-63-70=267
2NCZach SeaboltRaleigh, NC70070-63-65-69=267
3GABilly KennerlyAlpharetta, GA50068-68-64-68=268
4GAAnders AlbertsonWoodstock, GA50067-68-64-70=269
5GAJimmy BeckColumbus, GA50068-67-67-68=270

View full results for Dogwood Invitational

ABOUT THE Dogwood Invitational

Tournament week is June 6-11 at Druid Hills Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia. The entry fee includes breakfast and lunch tournament days as well as special events.

The history of this prestigious event extends back to 1941, when legendary amateur Tommy Barnes captured his first of five Dogwood titles. Evolving with the times, the modern Dogwood has produced fine champions like Webb Simpson (’07), Brian Harman (’09), Dawson Armstrong (’15), and in 2019 Brandon Mancheno. This evolution can be seen also in our course renovations and set-up, our relaxed tournament atmosphere, and our spirit of social responsibility.

Players are required to walk during tournament play and may carry their golf bag themselves (push carts are allowed) or take a caddie. Caddies may be requested in advance during registration, or players may select one on their own.

Player housing is provided on an as available basis to players only, caddies and traveling companions are not provided housing.

View Complete Tournament Information

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