Jon Weiss Jr. Claims 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.

Afterwards, Weiss Jr. praised the condition of the golf course and encouraged others to come out and play at Darlington Country Club.

“I’m thrilled to win a tournament the caliber of the Southern 500 Golf Invitational,” said Weiss, who recently finished tied for sixth in the South Carolina Golf Association State Amateur. “I’m thankful to be a member of the club and appreciate all the effort that Timmy and Nancy Huntley (club owners) have put forth to help make this country club so special. The greens are rolling as good as any in the state. It’s an amazing feeling to win this tournament and it was an honor to play in such a wonderful event.”

There were several other outstanding performances on Sunday. There were two hole-in-ones recorded on #14 Sunday; the first by Jason Smith of Darlington Country Club and the second by Sam Tune from Williston, SC. Additionally, Darlington’s Drew Patrick turned in a rare double eagle, or albatross, when he scored a two on the par-five second hole.

More than 105 golfers from across the state and region participated in the tournament. PolyQuest was the presenting sponsor of the weekend. The Catalinas, one of America’s most popular beach music bands, performed a concert at the club on Friday evening. Club member Jake Jones performed an acoustic set on Saturday evening under the lights on Michael’s Porch.

In 2026, Darlington Country Club will celebrate its Centennial, so rest assured that the 62nd annual Southern 500 Golf Invitational will be bigger and better than ever before.