DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Georgia Southwestern State University's
Sam Brown won the Next Tee Invitational held at the LPGA International's signature Rees Jones golf course from December 20-22. The event is played annually during the end-of-year holiday season and provides a unique stage for competition at a time when many of the game's best amateurs are seeking high-level events to showcase their talent.
Brown showed poise and patience to capture the 2025 title, emerging victorious after three demanding rounds and a dramatic playoff finish.
The GSW junior from Sofia, Bulgaria, opened the 58-player tournament with a steady round of 72, keeping himself within striking distance with the rest of the field and leaders. It was in the second round, however, that Brown made his move. Displaying a red-hot putter and dialed in approach play, he birdied six of his final seven holes, surging up the leaderboard with an impressive 5-under 67. The late-round charge vaulted him into a tie for the lead heading into the final round.
With the pressure mounting and winds whipping across the course in the final round, Brown leaned on discipline and course management to avoid costly mistakes. He carded an even-par 72.
That approach paid off. After regulation play ended with Brown tied atop the field at -5, the tournament moved to a playoff. On the first playoff hole, Brown remained calm and kept the ball in play while his opponent ran into trouble. A simple par was all Brown needed to seal the victory and claim the championship.
"I was proud of how I stuck to my game plan," Brown said after the round. "With the wind and challenging pins, it was about playing somewhat conservatively and doing what I had to do to get the win."
