ATLANTA, GA – November 3, 2025- In a finish that felt written by fate, Dan Merriman, Head PGA Professional at East Lake Golf Club, captured the inaugural The Drew title and its $50,000 first-place prize, the largest single payout in Georgia PGA history, on Monday at East Lake, the very club where Drew Dunn, PGA, once served as Director of Golf.
Of the 72 Georgia PGA Professionals invited, 62 competed in the elite field, but it was Merriman who ultimately lifted the trophy in a win that couldn’t have been scripted any better. Adding to the special nature of the day, Merriman’s father caddied for him, and the victory marked his first Georgia PGA Section event win.
The day was made even more special by the presence of Drew Dunn’s family and friends, including his wife, Lawrence Dunn, who were in attendance alongside the East Lake Golf Club staff, all of whom turned out in full support of Merriman and in celebration of Drew’s lasting impact.
After 18 holes of play, Chad Ferrell, Head PGA Professional at Cherokee Town & Country Club and Ian Trace, PGA Assistant Golf Professional at Peachtree Golf Club led the field at even-par, while Jeff Cammon, PGA Coaching Professional at Sea Island Golf Club and Merriman sat one shot back at 1-over par. Per the official format, the top four finishers (and ties) advanced to a playoff on East Lake’s iconic 18th hole to determine the winner.
In the first playoff hole, both Merriman and Cammon birdied to extend play. On the second trip down 18, Merriman secured victory with a par after Cammon’s bogey, earning his name as the first-ever champion of The Drew.
“I can’t put into words how much this means to me, It still really hasn’t hit me yet,” said Merriman. “It’s like a movie script. I am so honored to be the inaugural winner, and to do it here with Drew’s family, friends, and our entire East Lake team watching means the world to me.”
“The Inaugural Drew played out as well as it could have,” said Scott Geary, CEO of the Georgia PGA. “We started the event to honor Drew, his path from caddie to becoming the Director of Golf at East Lake, and his competitive spirit. All of the supporters, partners and friends/family embraced the theme and we capped it off with a tremendous finish. Congratulations to Dan Merriman, Head PGA Professional at East Lake, on a hard fought and emotional victory!”
Philip Jones, who helped bring the vision for The Drew to life, echoed that sentiment, reflecting on the special meaning of the day. “When this vision started, we could only imagine what it might become — and for it to end this way, with Dan winning at East Lake, it couldn’t have been more perfect,” said Jones. “After everything Drew’s family, friends, and the East Lake team have been through, this was the ending we all hoped for. You couldn’t script it any better. To see Dan’s name as the first on The Drew trophy, that’s something truly special.”
In conjunction with the event, the Georgia PGA and PGA REACH Georgia introduced The Drew Grant, a fund supporting the professional development of aspiring PGA Professionals in Georgia. This annual grant will provide financial assistance to those working toward PGA Membership, continuing Drew’s legacy of mentorship and service to others.
Donations to support The Drew Grant can be made here: THE DREW GRANT
The Drew was established in memory of Drew Dunn, PGA, honoring his passion for golf, his spirit of sportsmanship, and his lasting impact on those around him. Hosted at the historic East Lake Golf Club, the event not only celebrates competitive excellence but also supports the mission of PGA REACH Georgia, impacting lives through youth development, military, and diversity & inclusion programming.
The Georgia PGA is one of 41 Sections of the PGA of America and represents more than 1000 PGA Professionals throughout the state. With a mission to promote the enjoyment and growth of the game of golf, the Georgia PGA supports its members through education, competitive tournaments, and community-focused programming. The Section plays a vital role in advancing the profession and fostering excellence across all areas of the game, from junior golf and player development to career services and community impact.
Founded in 1904, East Lake Golf Club is Atlanta’s oldest golf course and the historic home of golf legend Bobby Jones. With a legacy of hosting many of the game’s premier championships, East Lake is one of the most storied venues in American golf. Beyond the game, the Club is deeply committed to community impact through its “Golf with a Purpose” initiative. Since 1995, it has served as the cornerstone of a transformative revitalization effort in Atlanta’s East Lake neighborhood, led by the East Lake Foundation, and driven by the power of golf to inspire change and opportunity. Today, East Lake Golf Club stands as a national model for how the game can create lasting, positive impact in the lives of individuals and communities.
