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see also: Joseph Deraney, Carlton Woods Invitational, The Club at Carlton Woods
A playoff thriller in the Mid-Am and a wire-to-wire winner in the Senior Division
The Woodlands, TX (June 5, 2025) — The 2025 Carlton Woods Invitational delivered everything an elite mid-amateur championship should: drama, grit, and a walk-off winner. Robert Gwin emerged victorious after a tense playoff with Joseph Deraney, finishing at 4-under-par 212 and claiming one of amateur golf’s most respected titles on the Nicklaus Signature Course.
Gwin, who finished solo ninth at this same event in 2024 (73-70-74), entered the final round one shot back. He calmly carded a 69 with birdies on 10, 13, and 15 to catch Deraney at the top. After three tightly contested rounds (73-70-69), Gwin sealed the win in extra holes to hoist the Eagle Trophy.
Deraney, the 36-hole leader, posted rounds of 69-70-73 and nearly added another title to his storied resume. A birdie at 16 briefly steadied him, but bogeys and missed opportunities left the door open for Gwin to capitalize.
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| Pos | Player | Total | R1 | R2 | R3 | Gross |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Robert Gwin | -4 | 73 | 70 | 69 | 212 |
| 2 | Joseph Deraney | -4 | 69 | 70 | 73 | 212 |
| 3 | Jake Byrum | -3 | 70 | 70 | 73 | 213 |
| T4 | Colby Harwell | -1 | 75 | 70 | 70 | 215 |
| T4 | John Hunter | -1 | 72 | 66 | 77 | 215 |
In the Senior Division, Robert Funk emerged victorious after an up-and-down final round. Funk opened with a blazing 69 and followed with a steady 71, giving him enough margin to survive a 78 on Thursday. His 218 total (+2) was enough to hold off Andrew Hydorn and Miles McConnell by one shot.
Funk’s resilience under pressure earned him the Senior Eagle Trophy, and capped off a standout performance in a deep field.
| Pos | Player | Total | R1 | R2 | R3 | Gross |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Robert Funk | +2 | 69 | 71 | 78 | 218 |
| T2 | Andrew Hydorn | +3 | 72 | 77 | 70 | 219 |
| T2 | Miles McConnell | +3 | 73 | 73 | 73 | 219 |
| T4 | Gary Durbin | +4 | 72 | 75 | 73 | 220 |
| T4 | John Bearrie | +4 | 73 | 75 | 72 | 220 |
The 2025 edition built upon the thrilling finish of last year, when Shane Heise birdied the 16th to break a five-way tie and win by one at 3-under. This year, it took a playoff to separate Gwin and Deraney in a battle that capped off three days of elite mid-amateur golf.
Meanwhile, in the senior ranks, Mark Strickland’s 2024 win gave way to Funk’s climb this year—proof that the Carlton Woods Invitational continues to draw some of the best veteran amateurs in the nation.
Since 2006, the Carlton Woods Invitational has provided one of the purest tests of amateur golf. Held at The Club at Carlton Woods on the Nicklaus Signature Course, the 54-hole stroke play format is rich with tradition, from state flags flying over tee boxes to the symbolic bald eagle trophy awarded to the champions. The event is a Golfweek nationally designated tournament and one of the most coveted invitations in the amateur game.
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A 54-hole stroke play golf tournament played at The Club at Carlton Woods in the beautiful Houston community of The Woodlands, where golf is one of the top activities. Entry into the Carlton Woods Invitational is strictly by invitation from the Tourn...
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