Mid-amateur from South Carolina wins Terra Cotta Invitational in Florida

Connor Doyal overcomes nerves to claim victory in prestigious amateur golf tournament

Apr. 19, 2026 at 3:54pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting the final moments of the Terra Cotta Invitational golf tournament, with overlapping geometric shapes and planes representing the tension and drama of Doyal's winning putt on the 18th hole.Doyal's clutch putt on the 18th hole secures his hard-fought victory at the prestigious Terra Cotta Invitational.Charleston Today

Connor Doyal, a 26-year-old mid-amateur golfer from Charleston, South Carolina, won the 30th annual Terra Cotta Invitational at Naples National Golf Club in Florida. Doyal shot a final round 5-under 67 to finish at 12-under par, one stroke ahead of 17-year-old junior golfer Dawson Lew of Toronto, Canada. Doyal overcame a case of the 'yips' on the 18th hole to clinch the victory.

Why it matters

The Terra Cotta Invitational is one of the top amateur golf events in the country, attracting many of the best junior and mid-amateur players. Doyal's win is a significant achievement in his amateur career, and the tournament showcases the depth of talent in the amateur ranks.

The details

Doyal entered the final round two shots behind co-leaders Giuseppe Puebla and Parker Bell. He shot a bogey-free 67, including seven birdies, to take a one-shot lead over Bell heading to the 18th hole. Doyal nearly overshot the green on his third shot on 18, but chipped up and sank a short putt to secure the victory. Dawson Lew, a 17-year-old junior from Canada, finished one shot back after missing a 35-foot birdie putt on the final hole.

  • Doyal shot a final round 5-under 67 on Saturday, April 18, 2026 to win the tournament.
  • The 30th annual Terra Cotta Invitational was held from April 16-18, 2026.

The players

Connor Doyal

A 26-year-old mid-amateur golfer from Charleston, South Carolina who won the 30th annual Terra Cotta Invitational.

Dawson Lew

A 17-year-old junior golfer from Toronto, Canada who finished one shot behind Doyal.

Giuseppe Puebla

A golfer who was a co-leader after the first two rounds of the tournament.

Parker Bell

A University of Florida senior golfer who was a co-leader after the first two rounds.

Luke Colton

An 18-year-old Vanderbilt commit who was gunning for his third consecutive Terra Cotta championship but finished tied for 21st.

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What they’re saying

“My hands were shaking uncontrollably. But I've had some moments like this before, and I think I've just learned to let it happen and not fight it. I knew it wasn't going to be the best stroke of my life, but in the moment, I just had to trust myself to make the putt.”

— Connor Doyal, Mid-amateur golfer

“Honestly, I just hit the ball fantastic start to finish. I hit a ton of greens and then the putter started heating up. I woke up feeling good this morning, and I knew I had it in me.”

— Connor Doyal, Mid-amateur golfer

“It was a little bit nervy there, but I wouldn't want it any other way. I'm always going to be able to look back at that up and down on 18 and be like I have what it takes when the pressure is on.”

— Connor Doyal, Mid-amateur golfer

“I started off pretty bad, just kind of had a weird first day. Nothing was going my way. But I was pretty happy with the way I ended it.”

— Luke Colton, Junior golfer

“You've got a great field and obviously an amazing course. I think that's why everybody wants to come and play at this tournament.”

— Luke Colton, Junior golfer

What’s next

Doyal will look to build on his Terra Cotta Invitational victory and continue his strong play in upcoming amateur events. As one of the top mid-amateur golfers in the country, he will likely receive an invitation to compete in the U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship later this year.

The takeaway

Connor Doyal's clutch performance under pressure to win the prestigious Terra Cotta Invitational demonstrates the depth of talent in the amateur golf ranks. The tournament continues to be a premier event that attracts many of the best junior and mid-amateur players, showcasing the future stars of the sport.