Robert Gwin Wins 2025 Carlton Woods Invitational in Playoff Thriller

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.

2025 Carlton Woods Invitational Recap

with Kyle from AmateurGolf.com

🎧 Listen to the full recap of one of amateur golf’s premier events
Join AmateurGolf.com to access our tournament database and build your schedule.

Final Mid-Am Leaderboard (Top 5)

Senior Division Recap

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.

Senior Division Leaderboard (Top 5)

A Look Back and a Look Forward

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.

The Tradition of Carlton Woods

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.

Support Amateur Golf Coverage

Love content like this? Join AmateurGolf.com Premium and help us continue covering the players and stories that define amateur golf. Your support allows us to be onsite, behind the scenes, and inside the ropes of golf’s most meaningful amateur championships.