A Memorable 62nd Southern 500 Golf Invitational
The 62nd Southern 500 Golf Invitational was held Aug. 28-30 at Darlington Country Club and two champions were crowned. For the first time in the tournament's history, there was a women's division competition - 18 holes of stroke play on Friday, Aug. 28. Diane Watson of Bishopville defeated Lora Ledbetter of Hartsville in a one-hole playoff to capture the women's title.
Jon Weiss Jr. of Florence battled back on Sunday, tying the course record with a nine-under-par score of 63, to overtake Jamie Stanley of Darlington and win his second consecutive Southern 500 Championship. Weiss finished the three-day event at 19 under par to beat Stanley by three shots.
It was a wonderful three-day tournament with nearly 140 golfers from across the state, southeast and nation. The tournament was a highlight of the club's Centennial Celebration and helps support the Friends of Southern 500 Junior Golf non-profit.
Jon Weiss Jr. receives his second straight Southern 500 Golf Invitational Trophy (left to right): Tim Huntley, Jon Weiss Sr., Jon Weiss Jr., Jim Vernon, Josh Harris
Diane Watson of Bishopville won the inaugural Women's Division of the 2026 Southern 500 Golf Invitational
A Premier Amateur Golf Tournament in South Carolina
The Southern 500 Golf Invitational is a highlight of the amateur golf calendar and a signature event at Darlington Country Club. With more than six decades of history, the tournament has earned a reputation as one of South Carolina’s most prestigious amateur competitions, drawing talented players and enthusiastic supporters year after year.
Beyond the fairways, the Southern 500 Golf Invitational showcases everything that makes Darlington Country Club special: great golf, outstanding entertainment, and strong community support. The tournament also reflects DCC’s growing mission to give back, with efforts underway to provide junior golf scholarships in Darlington County and surrounding areas.
Jon Weiss Jr. Claims 2025 Southern 500 Golf Invitational Championship
Two Darlington Country Club golf standouts battled it out over 54 holes with Jon Weiss Jr. winning the 61st annual Southern 500 Golf Invitational Presented by PolyQuest Aug. 22-24. Weiss Jr. edged nine-time tournament champion Jamie Stanley by two shots to win the coveted title in his first time playing in the historic amateur tournament.
Weiss Jr.’s three-round total of 201 (66, 67, 68) was 15 under par, while Stanley recorded a three-day total of 203 (67, 68, 68) to finish at 13 under par.
A Look Back at the 60th Annual Southern 500 Golf Invitational
