Sequoyah National Hosts Memorable Folds of Honor Friday Competition

Before the Amateur Players Tour’s Summer Stableford Major took center stage, players gathered Friday afternoon at one of the country’s premier mountain golf destinations for the Sequoyah National Folds of Honor Friday event. Nestled in the Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina, Sequoyah National Golf Club once again provided a spectacular backdrop as competitors teed it up while supporting the Tour’s ongoing partnership with Folds of Honor, helping provide educational scholarships to the families of America’s fallen and disabled military members and first responders.

Known for its dramatic elevation changes, pristine conditioning, and breathtaking mountain views, Sequoyah National continues to rank among the premier public golf experiences in the Southeast, making it a fitting venue for another memorable Amateur Players Tour event.

With valuable Worldwide Golf National Player of the Year points available across every division, players had one final opportunity to build momentum before the weekend Major officially began.

Division 1

Rodric Overholt (Upstate South Carolina) put together the round of the day, firing a 1-under 71 to claim the Division 1 title. Overholt was the only player in the field to finish under par, holding off a strong charge from Barney Sutley (Indianapolis), who carded an even-par 72 to finish runner-up.

Ivan Jones (Carolina Triad ) finished third at 73, followed by Jody Clary (Upstate South Carolina) at 74. Current Worldwide Golf National Player of the Year contender Andrew Buse (Kentucky) rounded out the top five with a 76.

Division 2

Division 2 belonged to AJ Lee (Upstate South Carolina), who posted a steady 79 (+7) to earn the victory. Lee finished one shot clear of Scott Nichols (Carolina Triad), whose 80 secured second place.

Michael Lingenfelter (St. Louis) continued adding valuable Worldwide Golf National Player of the Year points with an 81 to finish third, while Josh Johnston (Charlotte) and Daniel Shelbo (Myrtle Beach) shared fourth after matching rounds of 82.

Division 3

Garrett Blyler (Upstate South Carolina) captured the Division 3 title with a 79 (+7), finishing two strokes ahead of Aaron Hunter (Carolina Triad).

Tommy Lee (TN East) claimed third after shooting 82, while Tommy Gilbert (Western North Carolina) and John Beck (Upstate South Carolina) rounded out the top five.

Division 4

Division 4 saw James Plaire (Las Vegas) earn the victory after posting an 86 (+14). Calvin Carter (Western North Carolina)finished second with an 88.

Zach Plude (Central PA) and Eric Seibert (Charlotte) tied for third after each carded 89s, while John Amos completed the top five.

Division 5

Tim Harbin (Birmingham) claimed Division 5 honors with an 87 (+22), outlasting the field by five strokes. Brian McMahan (Upstate South Carolina) finished runner-up with a 92.

Danny Acosta (Las Vegas), Larry Kriebel (Virginia Capital) and Joe Hill (Charlotte) shared third after each posted rounds of 93.

Mid-Am Net

One of the day’s lowest scores belonged to Garrett Blyler (Upstate South Carolina), who fired an impressive 3-under 69 to win the Mid-Am Net division.

Ivan Jones (Charlotte Metro) followed closely at 70, while Jody Clary (Upstate South Carolina) and John Amos (Maryland) tied for third after matching rounds of even-par 72.

Senior Net

The Senior Net division produced another excellent performance as Barney Sutley (Indianapolis) carded a 1-under 64 to take home the victory.

Daniel Shelbo (Myrtle Beach) and Tommy Lee (Knoxville) shared second after both finished at even-par 65, while Wayne Blyler (Upstate South Carolina) claimed fourth with a 66.

Looking Ahead

With Friday’s competition complete, attention immediately shifted to the Sequoyah Summer Stableford Major, the first of the final three Majors before the North American Championship. Every point earned at Sequoyah carries increased significance as the Worldwide Golf National Player of the Year races continue to tighten across every division.

From the mountain scenery to another successful Folds of Honor Friday, Sequoyah National once again showcased why it remains one of the Amateur Players Tour’s favorite championship venues, setting the stage for an exciting weekend of Major competition.