Brandon Coggins added another title to an impressive resume, winning what is now known as the Cherokee National Amateur Championship.

It really doesn’t matter what the tournament is called, if it is played in Gaffney at the Cherokee National Country Club, chances are better than average the former Gaffney High School golf coach would be the golfer who finishes on top.

While the name is new, the tournament itself is built on the foundation of the former Cherokee County Amateur—and for Coggins, it’s familiar territory.

“This is really just our version of the county amateur,” Coggins said. “They changed the name and opened it up to more golfers, but the competition still feels like the competition there was before, ” he said..

Coggins entered the final round tied with EJ Blanton, both players having shot two-under in the first round.

Blanton surged ahead early, eagling the opening hole and then pulling three shots ahead after six. But the momentum shifted on the seventh.

“EJ made double on seven and I made birdie—that evened it up in a single hole,” Coggins recalled.

From there, it was a back-and-forth battle. Coggins birdied Nos. 9 and 12, while Blanton matched with a birdie on No. 10. Another double from Blanton on No. 13 gave Coggins a three-shot cushion.

Despite late birdies from Blanton on 15 and 18, Coggins played it smart down the stretch, securing a one-shot victory.

Blanton, a seasoned competitor and former Greater Greer Open winner, nearly forced a playoff on 18.

“He had about a 30-yard pitch shot and almost holed it,” Coggins said. “But I saw he didn’t make it, so I just got out of the bunker safely and played it smart.”

While this marks his fourth Cherokee Amateur win, Coggins is only a regular now in a handful of events.

“I haven’t played much this summer. With a three-year-old at home and being an (Cherokee County) administrator, it’s hard to find time,” he said. “But being out there, playing against some of the kids I’ve coached, that’s what I really enjoy now.”

Coggins’ connection to the local golf scene runs deep. A five-time club champion coached Gaffney High School to the 2018 state championship.

This summer, he plans to play in the Cherokee Club Championship and possibly the SC Mid-Amateur in October at Rock Hill Country Club. “These local events, especially the ones close to home, are staples for me,” he said.

While the tournament began as a county championship, opening the event to all amateurs gave the Cherokee National course and staff the opportunity to show case their course and professionalism.

“Cherokee National got to show off for the tournament,” said Coggins. “Pro Danny Agapion had everything organized and running well. Todd Robertson and his crew did a fabulous job setting up the course and the greens were awesome,” added the event winner,

Age group winners included Championship Blue – Zack Bostic, 40-50 men white – Jason West, 55-69 Gold – Steve Steel, Senior 70-0ver – Johnny Childers.