That’s a wrap from The Grill at Tin Cup in Cumming, GA — and what a historic US Open it was!
Sunshine, fierce competition, and a loaded field of champions made this event one of the most exciting in
USPMGA history.
This year’s tournament featured an unprecedented $20,000 prize purse, the largest ever for the US
Open, attracting top talent from across the country. Players from multiple professional associations
converged on one of the most creative and challenging courses in the sport — delivering two days of elite
play and pure passion for the game.
And after weeks of weather forecasts that looked daunting and soaking wet, the skies smiled on us. Aside
from a rogue sprinkler mishap on Friday and a little light rain Saturday morning, the weather couldn’t
have been better. Friendly skies, warm temps, and good vibes prevailed — just as every great Open
deserves.
Players also welcomed the USPMGA Vice President Ted Detwiler, whose support reminded us just how
far this game has come — and how bright its future looks. This includes the official announcement of the
2026 USPMGA US Open being held in Kauai, Hawaii at the tropical Kauai Miniature Golf and Botanical
Garden!
🏅 And Now… Meet Your Champions!
After two thrilling days and 8 total Pro rounds of high-level competition on one of the sport’s most dynamic
and demanding courses, here are the players who rose to the top 3 across every division.
🔥 Pro Division – Top 3 (eight total rounds)
🥇 Joey Graybeal – 343
🥈 Tom Butler – 345
🥉 Rainey Statum – 349
🏅 Amateur Division – Top 3 (six total rounds)
🥇 Clay Cannon – 288
🥈 Rob Morris – 299
🥉 Brian Weitzel & Greg Stroud – 307
👑 Women’s Division – Top 3 (six total rounds)
🥇 Patty Bellefeuie – 304
🥈 Vanette Block – 305
🥉 Paula Gay – 311
🎩 Senior Division – Top 3 (six total rounds)
🥇 Joey Graybeal – 343
🥈 Rainey Statum – 349
🥉 Jeff Kirk – 357
🧓 Super Senior Division – Top 3 (six total rounds)
🥇 Gary Hester – 363
🥈 Gary English – 369
🥉 John Ventura – 381
🤝 Team Division – Top 3 (six total rounds)
🥇 Joey Graybeal / Gary English – 528
🥈 Rainey Statum / Jeff Gibraltar – 532
🥉 Jeff Kirk / Brock Gillespie – 535
⭐ Special Awards
🏅 Lowest Round (tied): Greg Newport, Joey Graybeal, & Tom Butler – 38
🏅 Most Aces (tied): Peter Lyon & Vanette Block – 8
🏅 Most Aces in One Round: Danny Baddely – 5
💫 A Field of Champions & Legends
This year’s Open featured six previous US Open Champions:
● 🥇 Matt McCaslin (4-time champ)
● 🥇 Rainey Statum (2-time champ)
● 🥇 Joey Graybeal (2-time champ)
● 🥇 Bobby Ward (2-time champ)
● 🥇 Greg Newport (1-time champ)
● 🥇 Nate Nichols (1-time champ)
Also welcomed six previous Masters Champions:
● 🥇 Gary Hester (1-time champ)
● 🥇 Rainey Statum (1-time champ)
● 🥇 Joey Graybeal (1-time champ)
● 🥇 Greg Newport (2-time champ)
● 🥇 Randy Reeves (1-time champ)
Hall of Fame Highlights:
USPMGA Hall of Famers:
● Greg Newport
● Matt McCaslin
PPA Hall of Famers:
● Rainey Statum
● Gary English
● Robert Johnson
● Rick Baird
● Randy Reeves
● Andy Coradini
● Brice Bergensen
Let’s not forget — Greg Newport and Rick Baird are part of a legendary club: two of only four players in
Putt-Putt history to shoot a perfect round of 18.
🎯 Silent Auction for Team USA Juniors
One of the most inspiring moments of the week came off the course — during the silent auction held to
support our rising stars, Chase Ferguson (15) and Graham Sigmon (16).
These two talented junior players will be making history next month as they travel to Askim, Sweden to
represent the United States at WAGM – the World Adventure Golf Masters. It will be the first time the
USA has sent youth competitors to this prestigious global event, which brings together the best
putters from around the world.
Thanks to the generosity of our players, guests, and supporters, the auction raised nearly $800 — and
the USPMGA stepped in with an additional $700, ensuring that our juniors have more of the backing
they need as they carry the red, white, and blue across the pond.
This moment was about more than just raising funds — it was about investing in the future of our sport.
💬 A Moment with Bobby Ward
During the awards ceremony, we had the privilege of hearing from Bobby Ward, a true legend of the
game. As one of the most respected figures in both the USPMGA and Putt-Putt circles, Bobby spoke from
the heart about his lifelong journey in the sport and what it has meant to him over the decades.
His words were powerful, unifying, and deeply moving — nearly bringing the entire room to tears. Bobby
has long been a bridge between associations, and in this moment, he reminded us all why we love this
game and the community it creates.
🙌 Thank You, The Grill at Tin Cup
Hosting the 27th Annual US Open at The Grill at Tin Cup was more than a venue choice — it was a
dream partnership.
To owners Cindy and Scott Echols, thank you for bringing this championship to your flagship PuttTek
course and setting the stage for something truly memorable.
To General Manager Avi Zelaya — your steady leadership, follow-through, and above-and-beyond
support made all the difference.
And to the Tin Cup dream team:
🌟 Manager Lindsey
🍸 Bar Manager Nick
Executive Chef John
⛳ Course Manager Patrick
👏 And the entire staff — your warmth and hospitality made this a record-breaking experience in every
way.
🤝 To Our Sponsors — Thank You!
This year’s event was powered by incredible sponsors who helped fund half the purse, provided gift
bags, and supported infrastructure that brought this Open to life:
Republic National Distributing Company – featuring
🍷 Benziger, Cointreau, Dad Water, Deep Eddy, Four Roses Bourbon, Imagery Wine Collection, Mi
Campo, Mom Water, Mount Gay, Owen’s Craft Mixers, Remy Martin, & The Botanist Dry Gin.
And:
🏛 Barrett & Farahany
🏆 Beaudry Engraving
🎒 CaddyDaddy
🎶 Midwood Entertainment
☕ Myth & Legend Coffee
🍑 Pieces & Peaches
🧼 Rugged Refined
🎸 The Backline Company
Your generosity turned this tournament into something extraordinary. We are deeply grateful.
From the first players meeting to the final trophy lift, the 2025 USPMGA US Open was a showcase of
talent, tradition, and togetherness.
Until next time…
🎯 Stay sharp.
🤝 Stay humble.
⛳ Keep putting.
Putters League : Amanda Farahany & Bryan Akers
