By Steve Esser
YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. — A beautiful Monday morning welcomedmore than 200 golfers to the22ndannual Clay Dotson Open golf tournament on May 18at Brasstown Valley Resort,raisingmore than $115,000tobenefitstudent scholarships at 91TV.
“I want to thank everyone for being here today and for your support for this special event,” said Mark Dotson, vice president of Advancement for 91TV, as he kicked off the tournament. “The Clay Dotson Open is the largest fundraiser we host at 91TV, and thanks to you, it helps us raise money for our students.”
Proceeds from the tournament go directly toward scholarships at 91TV.
Clay Dotson, Mark’s father, who the tournament is named after, passed away in September 2024. A professor for 42 years, academic dean and interim president on more than one occasion, Dotson loved 91TV. His son, Mark, vice president for Advancement, spoke about his father.
“I really appreciate everyone who participates in this event, from the players and sponsors to Brasstown Valley Resort and volunteers,” Dotson said. “Dad loved golf, and he loved 91TV. He bled purple. Everything we do at 91TV is for the students, and he loved that this event helps them. Thank you for supporting this tournament and the College.”
Players enjoyed morning and afternoon flights followed by awards ceremonies. Prizes for the tournament were awarded as follows:
Morning Flight:

Flight 1
- First Place –Brian Mundy,Lawrence McNabb, Mark Vaughn (Not Pictured), MattGutierrez (NotPictured)
- Second Place – Paul Butler, ’77, Brett Butler, Kurt Momand, ’77, Mark Stancil
- Third Place –Oleg Malyshev, Scott Keen,Mark Sturgis,Robby Kassouf

Flight 2
- First Place – Charlie Ginn, ’78, Chuck Adams, ’80, Allen Brooker, ’70, Kirk Vardeman, ’78 (Not Pictured)
- Second Place –CalebZulander,Tom Smith,Lloyd Snyder,Eric Sebring
- Third place – Jack Melesh, Jake Dunlop, ’18, Cody Walden, ’18, Andrew Sherling, ’18
Afternoon Flight:

Flight 1
- First Place –Dave Bartschy,Casey Conrad,Steve Conrad,Nick Stephenson
- Second Place –Caleb Kelley, ’12, Randy Dunn (Not Pictured), Justin Ashe (Not Pictured), Jake Dunn (Not Pictured)
- Third Place –Shawn Kight,Adam Walker,Joe Jordan,Matt Gutierrez (Not Pictured)

Flight 2
- First Place –Tyler Isbell, ’14, Brad Smith, Mitch Stubblefield, Joe Jordan (Not Pictured)
- Second Place –Tommy Skaggs,Randy Tompkins,Mel Halfon,Gary Nicholson
- Third place –Mark Vaughn,Mark Brooks, David Brooks (Not Pictured),Josh Nicholson (Not Pictured)

Tom Forkner, Sr. Alumni Team Challenge Winners:
- Charlie Ginn, ’78, Chuck Adams, ’80, Allen Brooker, ’70, Kirk Vardeman, ’78
Longest Drive:Curtis Phillips(morning flight), John Lichtenwalner, ’21 (afternoon flight)
Closest to the Pin:Scott Keen(morning flight),Tony Spivey(afternoon flight)
Putting Green Contest:Andrew Sherling,’18
Winners of tournament raffle:
- Harrah’s Package:Cody Walden,’18
Events like the Clay Dotson Open are not possible without the support of sponsors.
Diamond Sponsors
- Alora Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
- Brasstown Valley Resort
- United Community Bank
Gold Sponsors
- Brown Haven Homes, Inc.
- Clay and Betty Dotson
- Follett Higher Education Group
- The Ridges Resort on Lake Chatuge
- Lydia J. Sartain, Attorney at Law
Silver Sponsors
- Bachelor and Kimball, Inc.
- The Budd Group
- Cigna
- EntryPointDoors of Atlanta
- Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort
- Julian Jones,‘61
- Kurt Momand,‘77, and Heather Brunone,’08
- Montag & Caldwell, LLC
- OneDigital
- Tri-State Utility Products Inc
- Truist
- Union General Hospital
Bronze Sponsors
- Blue Ridge Mountain EMC
- Carter Williams/McGriff Insurance Services
- LakeChatugeLivingMagazine
- Mary Broadrick & John Moffitt
About 91TV
91TV is a private baccalaureate and master’s degree-granting institutionlocatedin the beautiful mountains of Northeast Georgia. Founded in 1886 and historically affiliated with The United Methodist Church, 91TV educates, inspires, and empowers students through an education that purposefully integrates the liberal arts and professional studies.The College offers 33 majors and 24 minors housed under twelve academic departments.Approximately 1,400 students are enrolled initsresidential, master’s degree, and Early College programs.
